Post by Emma on Jul 1, 2008 16:00:15 GMT 1
What Is Self Harm?
Self harm (also known as self injury or self mutilation) is the act of deliberately injuring oneself or putting oneself in dangerous situations. It is understood as a coping mechanism used when someone is unable to express or deal with their feelings or is overwhelmed by emotions or situations. Where other people may find release and comfort from crying or talking to friends and family self harm can provide some with a similar kind of relief.
Self harm comes in many different forms:
· Scratching
· Cutting
· Hitting
· Banging your head
· Hair pulling
· Burning
· Overdosing
· Self poisoning
· Substance abuse – alcohol or drugs
· Taking personal risks
· Neglecting own emotional and physical needs
· Developing and eating disorder
Why Do People Self Harm?
There are many reasons why someone may turn to self harm.
· Difficulties in childhood
· Feelings of isolation
· Abuse – physical, emotional, sexual
· Bullying
· Neglect
· Low self esteem or self worth
· Depression
· Stress
· Anxiety
· Traumatic events – the loss of a relative, homelessness
· Coping with difficult feelings
· Invalidation
· Feeling unable to communicate emotions
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Lack of emotional support
This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons behind self harm but goes someway to show that there are many and varied reasons for such behaviour.
Is Self Harm attempted Suicide?
Although there is a close link between self harm and suicidal behaviour it is important to distinguish between the two. Self harm can be seen as an attempt to survive, to cope with feelings and situations. Self harm can be understood as an attempt to make oneself feel better or able to cope; suicide is an attempt to end ones life.
Misconceptions
Attention seeking. – Self harm is often seen as a cry for help a ploy to gain attention or manipulation. However it can in fact be a very private and hidden behaviour that need not involve anyone else. Some people will take great care in hiding their injuries and scars through shame, embarrassment or fear, they may conceal injuries under clothing or make up excuses and explanations. Other individuals may have no other way to communicate how they are feeling although being faced with the injuries of someone you know and love is shocking it is important to offer support rather than anger. Self harm for these individuals may be a cry for help.
The more serious the injury, the more serious the problem. – It is important to take all injuries seriously as the nature of the wound does not represent the extent of the anguish being experienced.
Its masochism, “they like pain”. – Self harm is not about liking pain, it is a way to either stop feelings or memories taking control or to stop an individual feeling overwhelmed. Self harm can also be a mechanism that allows individuals to ‘feel’ something as the feeling of being emotionally numb and empty are common symptoms of depression. In some cases individuals self harm to punish themselves perhaps for unwanted feelings or because they feel they are bad or dirty for ‘letting’ things happen to them. In these circumstances individuals are seeking pain but not for gratification.
Self harm is a young persons issue – It is not only the young that self harm, it is a mechanism used by people of all ages.
- NSHN
Self harm (also known as self injury or self mutilation) is the act of deliberately injuring oneself or putting oneself in dangerous situations. It is understood as a coping mechanism used when someone is unable to express or deal with their feelings or is overwhelmed by emotions or situations. Where other people may find release and comfort from crying or talking to friends and family self harm can provide some with a similar kind of relief.
Self harm comes in many different forms:
· Scratching
· Cutting
· Hitting
· Banging your head
· Hair pulling
· Burning
· Overdosing
· Self poisoning
· Substance abuse – alcohol or drugs
· Taking personal risks
· Neglecting own emotional and physical needs
· Developing and eating disorder
Why Do People Self Harm?
There are many reasons why someone may turn to self harm.
· Difficulties in childhood
· Feelings of isolation
· Abuse – physical, emotional, sexual
· Bullying
· Neglect
· Low self esteem or self worth
· Depression
· Stress
· Anxiety
· Traumatic events – the loss of a relative, homelessness
· Coping with difficult feelings
· Invalidation
· Feeling unable to communicate emotions
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Lack of emotional support
This is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons behind self harm but goes someway to show that there are many and varied reasons for such behaviour.
Is Self Harm attempted Suicide?
Although there is a close link between self harm and suicidal behaviour it is important to distinguish between the two. Self harm can be seen as an attempt to survive, to cope with feelings and situations. Self harm can be understood as an attempt to make oneself feel better or able to cope; suicide is an attempt to end ones life.
Misconceptions
Attention seeking. – Self harm is often seen as a cry for help a ploy to gain attention or manipulation. However it can in fact be a very private and hidden behaviour that need not involve anyone else. Some people will take great care in hiding their injuries and scars through shame, embarrassment or fear, they may conceal injuries under clothing or make up excuses and explanations. Other individuals may have no other way to communicate how they are feeling although being faced with the injuries of someone you know and love is shocking it is important to offer support rather than anger. Self harm for these individuals may be a cry for help.
The more serious the injury, the more serious the problem. – It is important to take all injuries seriously as the nature of the wound does not represent the extent of the anguish being experienced.
Its masochism, “they like pain”. – Self harm is not about liking pain, it is a way to either stop feelings or memories taking control or to stop an individual feeling overwhelmed. Self harm can also be a mechanism that allows individuals to ‘feel’ something as the feeling of being emotionally numb and empty are common symptoms of depression. In some cases individuals self harm to punish themselves perhaps for unwanted feelings or because they feel they are bad or dirty for ‘letting’ things happen to them. In these circumstances individuals are seeking pain but not for gratification.
Self harm is a young persons issue – It is not only the young that self harm, it is a mechanism used by people of all ages.
- NSHN