Product Overview: Calm Harm App
The Calm Harm app, developed by the teenage mental health charity stem4 and created by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nihara Krause MBE, is a groundbreaking tool designed to help young people manage and resist the urge to self-harm. This award-winning app is grounded in the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a well-established and evidence-based psychological treatment.
Purpose and Target Audience
Calm Harm is specifically tailored for young people aged 13 and above, although younger children can use it under the guidance of a responsible adult. The app aims to provide immediate support and techniques to help users break the cycle of self-harm behavior and explore underlying trigger factors.
Key Features and Functionality
- Activity Categories: The app offers activities categorized into Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, and Random. These categories provide a variety of alternatives to self-harm, helping users to manage their urges effectively.
- Comfort: Activities that help users care for themselves rather than harm.
- Distract: Techniques to combat the urge by learning self-control.
- Express Yourself: Ways to get feelings out in a different, healthier manner.
- Release: Safe alternatives to self-injury.
- Random: A random selection from the above categories.
- Breathing Exercises and Mindfulness: The app includes breathing techniques to help users be mindful, stay in the moment, regulate difficult emotions, and reduce tension.
- Journaling and Self-Reflection: Users can create a journal to record their feelings after completing activities. This feature is stored in the “My Log” section, allowing users to revisit and reflect on their progress.
- Customization: Users can hide activities they do not like, make notes during certain activities, and even create their own help sections with personal contacts or favorite websites.
- Privacy and Safety: The app is private, anonymous, and safe, ensuring users feel secure while using it.
- Signposting to Help: Calm Harm provides signposts to additional help resources, ensuring users have access to further support when needed.
Underlying Principles
The app is based on the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which focuses on teaching impulse control, emotional regulation, and tracking underlying triggers to harmful urges. This approach helps users learn to identify and manage their ’emotional mind’ and ‘surf the wave’ of difficult emotions, reducing the urge to self-harm over time.
Important Notes
While the Calm Harm app is a valuable tool, it is not a substitute for assessment and individualized treatment by a health or mental health professional. Users are encouraged to consult a GP or mental health professional for comprehensive support.
In summary, the Calm Harm app is a powerful and supportive tool for young people struggling with self-harm, offering a range of activities, breathing exercises, and journaling features all within a safe and private environment.