Self Harm

Please note some people may find this blog post triggering.

WHAT IS SELF HARM? Self harm is usually associated with cutting, however self harm is not just cutting oneself. Self harm happens when you hurt or harm yourself. You may take too many tablets (an overdose), cut yourself, burn yourself, bang your head or throw yourself against something hard, punch yourself, stick things in your body, swallow things, bite yourself to name but a few. Many people who self harm suffer from Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and other mental health disorders.

WHY DO PEOPLE SELF HARM? People who self harm may do so to express pain and intense emotions that they can't put into words, they may feel disconnected and numb so self harm to feel pain, some people use self harm to release tension or vent anger, to calm and soothe, or as self punishment.

MYTH: People who self harm are attention seeking.
FACT: Most people suffer in silence and self-harm in private, many people find it very difficult to come forward and ask for help.

MYTH: People who self harm want to die.
FACT: People who self harm usually do not want to die. They are not trying to kill themselves, they are trying to cope with their pain, emotional distress, sadness, self-loathing, emptiness, guilt, or anger.

MYTH: If the wounds are not serious it's nothing to worry about.
FACT: Never assume that because the wounds or injuries are not serious, there’s nothing to worry about, the severity of someone's wounds has very little to do with how much they may be suffering.

SELF HELP: Some people are able to use many self help techniques such as confiding in someone, expressing feelings and emotions by writing them down, art, identifying triggers and reasons behind their self harm, learning stress management skills, listening to music, living in the moment and using mindfulness techniques such as concentrating on how something feels, smells, looks and tastes plus lots more. Many people find therapy beneficial also.

If you are suffering with self harm please speak to a loved one or friend, doctor or mental health team. Do not be ashamed or fearful by asking for help as self harm is more common than people think. With the right treatment, knowledge understanding and care it is possible to step into recovery and overcome self harming.

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