Self-harm awareness month is an annual event held in March to raise awareness of self-harm and impact on mental health. Approximately one million people in the United States engage in self-harming behavior every year. This includes cutting, burning, and other forms of self-injury.
Self-harm can be a coping mechanism for people with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. It can also be a way to deal with difficult emotions such as anger or shame. Self-harm awareness month aims to raise awareness among the general public and provide support for those who engage in these behaviors.
The purpose of self-harm awareness month is not to condone self-harm but to provide information and support for those who struggle with it. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, both online and in person.
The difference between self-harm and self-injury
Self-harm and self-injury are topics that are often shrouded in secrecy and shame. People who engage in these behaviors often feel like they are the only ones who do it, and they often feel like there is something wrong with them. This is not the case. In fact, both of these behaviors are quite common. And contrary to popular belief, these behaviors are not a sign of mental illness or weakness.
Self-harm is any behavior that involves harming oneself intentionally. This can include cutting, burning, punching oneself, or hair pulling. The purpose of self-harming behaviors is to cope with difficult emotions or thoughts. People often use self-harm as a way to punish themselves, to feel in control, or to numb their feelings.
Self-injury is a form of self-harm. The main difference between these two terms is that people who engage in self-injurious behaviors usually don’t intend to die by their actions, whereas those who engage in suicidal behavior do intend to end their lives.
Self-injury is typically defined as any behavior that results in physical damage to the body, such as cutting, burning, or hair pulling. However, some people also include behaviors like starving themselves or abusing alcohol and drugs in this category.
Why do people engage in self-harm?
So why do people engage in these behaviors? Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question. Some people may engage in self-harm or self-injury to cope with difficult emotions, while others may do it because they feel like it’s the only way to get relief from their pain. Some people may also have learned these behaviors from someone else, such as a family member or friend.
It is important to note that self-harm and self-injury or mental illness are signs of weakness. Many people who engage in these behaviors have no diagnosable mental health condition at all. And contrary to popular belief, most people who engage in self-harm do not go on to commit suicide.
The different types of self-harm
There are many different types of self-harm. Some people may cut themselves, while others may binge eat or drink. Other types of self-harm include burning, scratching oneself, or pulling out hair. No matter what type someone engages in, it is important to get help. These behaviors can cause serious damage to the body if they are not addressed right away by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
Self-injury is a way of coping with extreme emotional pain, and it can be easier to deal with than trying to cope with the emotions that are causing this pain. Ho ever, self-injury is not healthy or sustainable over time as it can lead to other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Therefore, it’s important that someone who self-harms gets help before it turns into something worse.
Who is at risk for self-harm?
Self-harm is not a rare occurrence. In fact, it is estimated that around one in five people will experience self-harm at some point in their lives. But who is most at risk for self-harm?
Many factors can contribute to someone being more likely to harm themselves. Some of these include:
-Having a history of abuse or trauma
-Experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
-Feeling isolated or alone
-Using drugs or alcohol excessively
-Being exposed to self-harm behaviors in others.
People in the LGBTQ+ community are more at risk for self-harm and self-injury than other populations. This is is due to several factors, including:
-The experience of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism, which can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation
-The higher rates of mental health issues in the LGBTQ+ community
-The higher rates of abuse and violence that LGBTQ+ people experience
-The lack of representation and support for LGBTQ+ people in society
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are experiencing self-harm or thoughts of self-injury, it is important to reach out for help. Ma y resources are available, including mental health professionals, support groups, and websites. You are not alone.
These are just some of the factors that can contribute to someone being at risk for self-harm. If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, it is important to reach out for help. Many resources are available to those who need them, and there is no shame in seeking help.
Warning signs of self-harm
Self-harm is a serious issue and can have many negative consequences. But it does not need to be permanent. There are many ways that people who self-injure can work toward recovery, including seeking professional help, connecting with others who understand what they are going through, practicing healthy coping skills instead of harmful ones.
If you are worried about someone’s safety, there are some warning signs that may indicate that they are self-harming. Some of these include:
-Cutting or scratching oneself repeatedly
-Wearing clothes to cover up bruises or scars
-Avoiding social activities or withdrawing from friends and family members
-Expressing a desire to die or suicide attempts
-Talking about feeling worthless, angry, empty, or guilty
If you notice these warning signs in someone else or even yourself. It is important to reach out for help.
How to support someone who may be self-harming
If you are worried about someone who may be self-harming, there are some things that you can do to help. These include:
-Reaching out and connecting with them in a safe way by asking how they are doing and listening to what they say
-Offering comfort and support without being judgmental or critical of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
-Encouraging them to reach out for professional help and support them in finding a therapist near them
-Learning about self-harm so that you can better understand what they are going through
How to confront someone about their self harming
Confronting someone about their self-harm can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are doing this out of concern for them and not because you want to judge or criticize.
Before confronting someone, it is important to educate yourself about self-harm to understand why they may be doing what they do. It s also a good idea to come up with some questions to ask them as well.
Remember that your goal is not to tell them what they should do or how they can stop hurting themselves, but rather listen and support their decision on whether or not they want professional help.
How to get help for yourself if you’re self-harming
If you are struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek mental health services. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or someone else right now, please call 911 immediately!
If you or someone you care about are experiencing any of the warning signs of self-harm, contact Serene Health and speak to one of our therapists. We have flexible appointments available from our Telehealth platform so that you can talk to a therapist online from the comfort of your own home. Ca l 844-737-3638 or visit www.serenehealth.com to schedule an appointment.
