[::..Self-Harm..::]
What is Self harm?
Self harm is causing deliberate hurt to your own body, most commonly by cutting, but also by burning, abusing drugs, alcohol or other substances. This occurs at times of extreme anger, distress and low self-esteem, in order to either create a physical manifestation of the negative feelings which can then be dealt with, or alternatively to punish yourself. Sometimes linked with hearing voices - particularly as a way of stopping the voices.
Self harm is causing deliberate hurt to your own body, most commonly by cutting, but also by burning, abusing drugs, alcohol or other substances. This occurs at times of extreme anger, distress and low self-esteem, in order to either create a physical manifestation of the negative feelings which can then be dealt with, or alternatively to punish yourself. Sometimes linked with hearing voices - particularly as a way of stopping the voices.
How many people are affected?
Like anorexia it has a higher prevalence in teenagers and young people. Also like anorexia it is more commonly experienced by women than by men. The best estimate is 1 in 130 people - 446,000 or nearly half a million across the UK.
Like anorexia it has a higher prevalence in teenagers and young people. Also like anorexia it is more commonly experienced by women than by men. The best estimate is 1 in 130 people - 446,000 or nearly half a million across the UK.
The only recorded figures are from hospital admissions to Accident & Emergency (A&E) (142,000 resulting hospital admissions per year in England and Wales), but the numbers of people who self-harm who refer or are referred to A&E will be very small. This is because self-harm itself is not an attempt at fatal injury, but rather an attempt to inflict harm without the need for medical intervention. Most people who self-harm will make every effort to ensure that they stay out of A&E - largely because of the unsympathetic response that they expect there.
Is it a growing issue?
The issue is becoming more widely recognized. But it’s difficult to say whether the numbers of people self-harming are themselves increasing. It is much more common than could be seen from the only available statistics but it is very probable that it there have been high numbers for a long time - it’s not something that’s suddenly started happening. What’s changing is the increasing willingness on the part of service users to talk about the issue and their dissatisfaction with services.
The issue is becoming more widely recognized. But it’s difficult to say whether the numbers of people self-harming are themselves increasing. It is much more common than could be seen from the only available statistics but it is very probable that it there have been high numbers for a long time - it’s not something that’s suddenly started happening. What’s changing is the increasing willingness on the part of service users to talk about the issue and their dissatisfaction with services.
Myth
Attention seeking
People who self-harm tend to do so in private. They often do not tell friends, colleagues or family of what is happening. Because of the stigma and low self-esteem they are unlikely to seek help.
It doesn't hurt
Of course it hurts. The initial sensation may be blunted by the intensity of emotion but yes, if you cut yourself deeply it will hurt.
People who self-harm tend to do so in private. They often do not tell friends, colleagues or family of what is happening. Because of the stigma and low self-esteem they are unlikely to seek help.
It doesn't hurt
Of course it hurts. The initial sensation may be blunted by the intensity of emotion but yes, if you cut yourself deeply it will hurt.
Typical background / history
The use of self-harming as a coping or self management strategy could be seen as similar to the control that people with anorexia feel over their bodies. Self-harming, similar to anorexia can become habitual - specifically at particular points of a regular cycle of mental distress - and, again like anorexia, it is usually only a visible condition when extreme.
Self-harm is often associated with depression, low self-esteem and a poor physical self image. There is also a strong association with sexual abuse. People who self-harm will often start doing so at the age of 14 or 15, although many continue to do so for many years.
The use of self-harming as a coping or self management strategy could be seen as similar to the control that people with anorexia feel over their bodies. Self-harming, similar to anorexia can become habitual - specifically at particular points of a regular cycle of mental distress - and, again like anorexia, it is usually only a visible condition when extreme.
Self-harm is often associated with depression, low self-esteem and a poor physical self image. There is also a strong association with sexual abuse. People who self-harm will often start doing so at the age of 14 or 15, although many continue to do so for many years.
How can self harm be prevented?
People who self-harm find a variety of personal strategies useful to minimize or manage their approach including:
Having a better understanding of why and when you self harm - and identifying those people who are supportive and make you feel good about yourself - building up your support network.
Minimization - making a small cut rather than a big one, using clean implements. This may mean cutting earlier rather than later when the distress has built up.
Distraction - trying to go and do something else rather than cut yourself.
Avoidance - not keeping razor blades or other sharp objects in the house.
Deterrent - having the item with which you self-harm in sight all the time as a reminder not to use it.
People who self-harm find a variety of personal strategies useful to minimize or manage their approach including:
Having a better understanding of why and when you self harm - and identifying those people who are supportive and make you feel good about yourself - building up your support network.
Minimization - making a small cut rather than a big one, using clean implements. This may mean cutting earlier rather than later when the distress has built up.
Distraction - trying to go and do something else rather than cut yourself.
Avoidance - not keeping razor blades or other sharp objects in the house.
Deterrent - having the item with which you self-harm in sight all the time as a reminder not to use it.
Talking - talk to somebody who you see as "safe".
Anybody who is concerned about somebody who is self-harming should be aware that they cannot necessarily change their friend or relative's life or coping mechanisms. Instead they should simply try to be caring, respectful and willing to listen (if that is what is wanted) while allowing their friend or relative to retain their dignity. They should not patronize, condemn, judge, attempt to explain or control, or panic (however hard this may seem!).
Anybody who is concerned about somebody who is self-harming should be aware that they cannot necessarily change their friend or relative's life or coping mechanisms. Instead they should simply try to be caring, respectful and willing to listen (if that is what is wanted) while allowing their friend or relative to retain their dignity. They should not patronize, condemn, judge, attempt to explain or control, or panic (however hard this may seem!).
-PENCES POUR MOYE DV
Labels: Tough being Teenager