Calm Harm – manage self-harm

Calm Harm – manage self-harm is a compelling application that assists individuals experiencing the urge to self-harm by offering techniques grounded in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). With over 2 million users, this free tool has shown to be an invaluable resource. It helps navigate through turbulent emotional waves using categorized activities such as Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, and Random. A mindfulness breathing technique is incorporated to help users remain present, regulate emotions, and alleviate tension.

The suite of immediate strategies offered by the platform aims to interrupt the cycle of self-harm and encourages users to delve into the factors that trigger such behaviors. It emphasizes building a robust network of supportive thoughts, behaviors, and connections, along with a journaling feature for reflection.

Privacy is at the core of its functionality; it is completely anonymous and secure, upholding the highest standards for data privacy. Users can select activities lasting either 5 or 15 minutes, accompanied by a timer to manage the duration effectively. New features include a 'Favorites' list for frequently chosen activities, animated mascots for a more engaging experience, a broader palette of color schemes for customization, and simplified access to urgent support resources.

Despite undergoing enhancements to its aesthetics and tech stack, the essence is unchanged, delivering clinical expertise and offering optional passcode-protection. It operates without the need for data or WiFi and complies with UK National Health Service standards, certified by ORCHA. It is important to bear in mind that it is not a substitute for professional evaluation and treatment by health professionals. In scenarios where a user forgets their passcode and security answer, reinstalling the game—resulting in the loss of previous data—will be necessary due to its stringent privacy protocol.