Self-harm describes any behaviour where someone causes harm to themselves. According to Mentalhealth.org.uk, usually, behaviour is a way to help cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and feelings.
It most frequently takes the form of cutting, burning or non-lethal overdoses. However, it can also be any behaviour that causes injury – no matter how minor, or high-risk behaviours.
Any behaviour that causes harm or injury to someone as a way to deal with difficult emotions can be seen as self-harm.
Self-harm isn’t a suicide attempt or a cry for attention. However, it can be a way for some people to cope with overwhelming and distressing thoughts or feelings, however, it should be taken seriously, whatever the reason behind it.
Self-harm usually starts as a way to relieve the build-up of pressure from distressing thoughts and feelings. This might give temporary relief from the emotional pain the person is feeling.
It’s important to know that this relief is only temporary because the underlying reasons remain. Soon after, feelings of guilt and shame might follow, which can continue the cycle.
It takes a lot of work to get rid of harmful habits but with the right help and support, most people who self-harm can and do fully recover.
Common self-harm includes cutting or severely scratching your skin, burning or scalding yourself, hitting yourself or banging your head, sticking objects into your skin, deliberately preventing wounds from healing, and wallowing in poisonous substances or inappropriate objects.
Possible triggers/Why people engage in self-harm;
- Difficulties at home
- Arguments or problems with friends
- School pressures
- Bullying
- Anxiety
- Alcohol and drug use
- Low self-esteem
- Transitions and changes, such as changing schools
- Feelings like sadness, self-loathing, emptiness, guilt, and rage.
Way out
1. Talk to a friend/professional to help
When you feel that self-worth is on the brink of collapse, it’s time to reach out for help. Emotional support from friends and loved ones can have a lot of benefits and is a trusted Source when you feel like self-harming.
Opening up about how you feel isn’t always easy, but it often helps to start by sharing with just one person, someone you trust to offer support without judgment. If you want to stop self-harming don’t try to force yourself to do something.
It won’t work and will only make the situation worse. Instead talk to a friend, or professional therapist or seek physiological resources which can help you quit whatever it is that causes you pain.
2. Listen to music
Music often provides a temporary escape from painful and overwhelming feelings: Turning your attention to the lyrics and rhythm can help you focus on something other than your distress.
Putting on a favourite playlist could help you pause the urge to self-harm long enough to work through what you’re feeling and identify other ways to cope.
Something is calming about turning the volume down on your headphones and leaning back in your chair, even if you’re not directly listening to the music.
Sometimes we must choose to do something purely because of its inner force and not its material benefits.
3. Do something creative
When communicating emotions through words feels impossible, art offers another way to express yourself and redirect the urge to self-harm. Art allows you to express distress with your hands, in a real, physical way.
When you’re finished, you have a record of your feelings you can then destroy.
4. Change your environment
Changing your environment can offer a distraction and give you enough time away from self-harm tools that the urge might pass before you return.
