Self- Harm: Everything You need to Know
What is Self-harm?
People who self-harm usually are not attempting to commit suicide. Which is also known as NSSI or Non-Suicidal Self Injury Instead, it is a method for coping with emotional pain. But while self-harm may sometimes bring temporary relief from the emotional pain, this relief is quickly followed by feelings of extreme guilt. If a person intentionally hurts themselves, that is considered self-harm or self-injury.
Who is affected most?
Self harm can affect people at any age. However, it is most common in teens and young adults.
Where does self harm occur?
Self harm often occurs in a private setting and will often be done on a part of the body that can be easily covered up or hidden. These would include the arms, legs, and front of the torso. These are by no means the ONLY warning signs but, are some of the most common for those who may be self harming:
Having sharp objects on hand
Blaming signs of injury on accidents or clumsiness
Scars, bruises, fresh cuts, missing hair
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts even on hot days
How is self harm or self injury done?
One of the most common methods is cutting. Some people feel the urge to burn, pick at wounds, pull out hair, or even use disordered eating such as restriction or binging as self harm.
Why?
The urge to hurt yourself may start with overwhelming anger, frustration or pain. When a person is not sure how to deal with emotions, or learned as a child to hide emotions, self-harm may feel like a release. Sometimes, injuring yourself stimulates the body’s endorphins or pain-killing hormones, thus raising their mood. Or if a person doesn’t feel many emotions, they might cause themself pain in order to feel something “real” to replace emotional numbness.
Find Help
If you notice a friend or family member who may be self harming: Communicate to them that you may not fully understand but, you are there to help. Don’t dismiss emotions or turn the situation into a joke.
It can feel scary and you may want to push them to get treatment by making them promise to stop or guilting them. It is important to gently encourage them to get treatment by stating self-harm is not un-common and doctors and therapy can help.
Text to cool down. If you’re dealing with painful emotions, we’re here to help. Shoot us a text to connect with a real human and strategize healthy coping mechanisms to manage your emotions. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a real human.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Don’t forget to like and follow us on