Self-Harm
We all harbor a secret struggle deep inside of us. It’s that thing that no one else knows about, but can adversely affect how you think about yourself, others, and your day to day activities. Sometimes when someone is struggling with something and they aren’t sure how to handle it they hurt themselves. Self-harm or self-injury simply means hurting yourself on purpose. Self-harm can look many different ways with the most common form being cutting. It can also show as burning one’s self, picking at scabs or injuries, pulling out your hair, and in extreme cases broken bones.
Self-harm is something that typically happens as a young adult or teenager, but can also manifest in adults as well. It is most regularly associated with some type of trauma, abuse, or neglect. When we are unsure how to handle our emotions it can lead to self-harm. The act many times releases endorphins into our body, giving a euphoric feeling, making us feel better, for a short time. But once those feelings wear away they can lead to shame, guilt, and embarrassment. Those feelings sometimes re-engage the trauma and can start a dangerous cycle of self-harm. But, there are ways to overcome self-harm.
Talk to a trusted friend or adult.
We all need community and that means having at least one or two people we can share our struggles with. This may be the first time someone has shared that they self-harm. If you are the harmer, know that they may not know what to say at first. If you are the receiver, listen with an open heart and don’t be quick to respond.
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Medicine can be helpful.
For some underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety, seeing your family doctor and talking about a prescription can be helpful. But remember, medicine takes time, and sometimes you need to try a few to find the right one.
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Seeing a therapist or a psychologist can be one of the most helpful tools in your tool belt.
These professionals can help you understand the trauma that you have been through and the process at which it will take to overcome it. This can be a big step for many people, and having a strong support system is very beneficial.
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Self-harm does not need to control you or those you love. There are resources available for anyone who is struggling. You do not need to fight this alone.
Written by Tiffany Careins
