Suicide Prevention: Understanding Self Harm

Understanding Self Harm

Self Harm is a way of expressing or dealing with pain. It is a battle, one of the worst kinds of battles, because you're fighting yourself. Self-harm isn't something that should be romanticised or made into an art, it should be taken more seriously. Injuring yourself is a way of coping with sadness, self-loathing, emptiness, guilt and rage.

Silence and stigma about mental distress, self-harm & attempted suicide only makes things worse. 1 in 4 English people have suffered violence or abuse, greatly increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide. According to research most self harmers are young women, but young men seem to be on the increase. It is estimated that 10% of 15-16 year olds have self harmed, usually by cutting themselves, whom are most likely to be girls.

Are You Cutting?

If you are cutting or scratching your skin, burning or scalding yourself, hitting yourself or banging your head, preventing wounds from healing or swallowing poisonous substances, these are all symptoms of self harm. The less obvious ways of harming yourself can be driving recklessly, binge drinking, taking too many drugs or having unsafe sex.

You may have noticed signs of self harm, if you're a parent, friend or colleague and are concerned. The amount of sadness someone feels isn't defined by the amount of scars they have. You may of noticed unexplained wounds, blood stains, sharp objects or cutting instruments, frequent accidents, and covering up of arms or legs to hide wounds.

Self harm and eating disorders are not pathetic. Making someone feel so bad about themselves, that they harm their body, that is pathetic. It is a myth, that people that self harm are seeking attention, most people do it in secret. People that self harm are not trying to kill themselves, but deal with pain. But are at much higher risk of suicide than those not self harming.

5 Simple Techniques To Deal With Pain

1) Triggers. Gain awareness of any thoughts, feelings, places or people that trigger you to self harm. Understanding why, can help you to avoid these situations or gain insight into the things that trigger your behaviour.

2) Distractions. A temporary solution that is very effective in the short term. When you experience a trigger find a distraction instead of self harming. It can be something as simple as having a warm bath, calling a friend or going out for a walk. Whatever the distraction technique, make sure it is something you enjoy and have thought about it before. Use your smartphone to keep a list, so you can choose.

3) Express Your Emotions. It is very helpful to have a professional counsellor or therapist who can help you express the painful emotions you are experiencing. If seeking help is too much of a big step for you right now. Share this secret with someone you trust, that will listen or can help signpost you, where to get support.

4) Find a substitute. Some people that self harm experience a release from the cutting sensation. Instead of cutting try a rubber band or pen to create a similar sensation as cutting but without lasting marks. It may help you to express your pain in an alternative way.

5) Stay connected & supported. It is easy to isolate and spend long periods of time alone when self harming. There are many online support networks and resources through social media. If you don't feel like being connected to people you know, you can connect with people you don't know online, who are experiencing similar issues to you and understand how you are feeling.

Ultimately it is ideal to seek professional medical advice if you are self harming or you have concerns about someone you know or suspect of self harming.

If you would like to read more about suicide or how to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Visit http://www.trans-formation.org.uk/blog for more resources absolutely FREE.

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