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self-harm


Self-harm is the intentional, direct injuring of one’s own body. This can also be known as self-mutilation and self-injury.

Self-harm behavior can occur at any age, but is most common in adolescence & young adulthood (usually between the ages of 12 & 24). It is generally associated with a history of trauma and abuse (including emotional and sexual abuse).

Symptoms:

  • Cutting, stabbing, or severely scratching the skin with a sharp object
  • Burning or scalding the body
  • Bruising, hitting, or banging the head
  • Throwing the body against walls or hard objects
  • Sticking objects into the skin
  • Intentionally preventing wounds from healing
  • Swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects
  • Hair-pulling
  • Knowingly abusing over-the-counter or prescription drugs
  • Abusing alcohol
  • Forms of self-harm related to anorexia or bulimia

risk factors:

Not every individual who self-harms does so for the same reasons.

Some of the reasons reported as self-harm triggers include:
  • Difficulties at home
  • Bullying
  • Problems with friends
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Low self-esteem
  • Life transitions, like changing schools
  • Alcohol/Drug use

Warning signs:

Self-injuring is usually done in secret and on parts of the body that are easily concealed, making it difficult to detect.

However, certain indicators may include:
  • Unexplained wounds or scars
  • Blood stains on clothes, towels, or bedding, or blood-soaked tissues
  • Sharp objects or cutting instruments in the person's belongings
  • Frequent "accidents" explaining away injuries
  • Covering up the body with long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather
  • Being alone for long periods of time
  • Isolation and irritability

treatment:

Finding a therapist can help with finding new coping techniques and address the root of the self-harm behavior. Database to find mental health professionals: Therapist Directory

Strategies to help resist the urge to self-harm:

TO DISTRACT:
  • Call a friend
  • Take a shower (remove razors beforehand)
  • Go for a walk, run, bike ride, or dance
  • Play with a pet
  • Listen to music
  • Breathing exercises
  • Yoga exercises

TO EXPRESS PAIN:
  • Draw or paint with red ink on white paper
  • Write out the hurt and anger using pen and paper
  • Write songs or poetry to express the feelings
  • Listen to music that expresses how you feel

TO RELEASE PHYSICAL TENSION:
  • Exercise
  • Rip up paper
  • Squeeze a stress ball, handful of clay, or Play-Doh

TO SUBSTITUTE THE CUTTING SENSATION:
  • Rub an ice cube on the skin
  • Wear a rubber band on the wrist and snap it gently
  • Draw on the skin with a red, soft-tipped marker in the places you would normally injure

support:

If you believe someone you know is self-harming:
  • Do not judge
  • Address your own feelings
  • Learn about the problem and try to understand why they are self-harming
  • Offer support, not an ultimatum or punishment 
  • Encourage communication

If you are self-harming:
  • Confide in someone 
    • Focus on your feelings
    • Give the person time to process
  • Identify your self-harm triggers
  • Find new coping techniques


Find help: S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) 
Helpline: 1-800-366-8288

sources:

HelpGuide: www.helpguide.org
Mental Health Foundation: mentalhealth.org.uk
Teens Health: kidshealth.org

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  • Home
  • About
  • Presentations
  • Testimonials
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Confidence Challenges
  • Resources
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Bullying
    • LGBTQ+
    • Self-Harm
    • Eating Disorders
    • Body Image
    • Positive Quotes
  • Contact