Cutting and Self-Harm
Self-harm is a way of dealing with emotional pain and distress, it helps to release pain and tension that is built up inside. It may make you feel better for a few minutes, but the problem(s) are still there afterwards- they don't just go away. Self-harm includes any actions taken by an individual to hurt themselves intentionally. Cutting, scratching, burning, hitting, and scalding are the most common self-harm activities, but there are others as well.
What a lot of cutters/self-harming individuals do not realize, however, is just how dangerous it can be. It is very easy to misjudge the depth of a cut, which could be potentially fatal. Wounds can become severely infected. Not to mention, dealing with emotional pain and turmoil in a negative way like this can escalate into bigger problems later on...such as depression, drug or alcohol addictions, or suicide.
If you participate in self-harm activities, please find a trustworthy friend or relative to confide in. Someone who will support you, listen to you, not gossip about you, and will stand by you to help you fight and beat this.
Determine what exactly it is that triggers your self-harm. Is it when someone makes you feel stupid? When someone makes you angry? When you are sad? When you feel ashamed of something?
Find new ways to cope with those feelings/activities that usually trigger self-harm. Write in a journal or blog, write a poem or song, listen to music, talk to a friend or relative, exercise, play a musical instrument, etc.
If the need arises, do not be afraid to find a counselor or therapist to help you with this problem. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed about asking for help!
If you know someone who participates in self-harm activities, do not judge them. Be supportive, understanding, and helpful. Help them find out what triggers it and help them find new ways to cope with those triggers. If needed, help them find professional help for their problem.
Self-harm is a way of dealing with emotional pain and distress, it helps to release pain and tension that is built up inside. It may make you feel better for a few minutes, but the problem(s) are still there afterwards- they don't just go away. Self-harm includes any actions taken by an individual to hurt themselves intentionally. Cutting, scratching, burning, hitting, and scalding are the most common self-harm activities, but there are others as well.
What a lot of cutters/self-harming individuals do not realize, however, is just how dangerous it can be. It is very easy to misjudge the depth of a cut, which could be potentially fatal. Wounds can become severely infected. Not to mention, dealing with emotional pain and turmoil in a negative way like this can escalate into bigger problems later on...such as depression, drug or alcohol addictions, or suicide.
If you participate in self-harm activities, please find a trustworthy friend or relative to confide in. Someone who will support you, listen to you, not gossip about you, and will stand by you to help you fight and beat this.
Determine what exactly it is that triggers your self-harm. Is it when someone makes you feel stupid? When someone makes you angry? When you are sad? When you feel ashamed of something?
Find new ways to cope with those feelings/activities that usually trigger self-harm. Write in a journal or blog, write a poem or song, listen to music, talk to a friend or relative, exercise, play a musical instrument, etc.
If the need arises, do not be afraid to find a counselor or therapist to help you with this problem. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed about asking for help!
If you know someone who participates in self-harm activities, do not judge them. Be supportive, understanding, and helpful. Help them find out what triggers it and help them find new ways to cope with those triggers. If needed, help them find professional help for their problem.