Self Harm Awareness
Hey Everyone! Did you know March is Self Harm Awareness Month?? In honor of bringing awareness to this very important subject we chose to highlight this subject in our recent podcast. We have attached resources below and hope that this helps you and your love ones. Sharing is caring, so feel free to send the love around and support others who may be struggling.
A few highlights from this podcast:
Self harm is most prevalent amongst teens and young adults, specifically amongst teenage girls between ages 10-16
the most common ways for self harm are skin cutting, head banging and burning
reasons why people self harm include:
Manage or reduce severe distress
Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain
Feel a sense of control over his/her body, feelings, or life situations
Feel something, anything, even if it’s physical pain
Express internal feelings in an external way
Communication depression
Be punished for perceived faults
Populations most at risk:
- Having friends who self-injure
Life issues such as trauma, abuse, unstable family environment, social isolation, and confusion about personal identity
Mental health issues (self-harm is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders)
Drug/alcohol use (people who harm themselves often do so while under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
Signs to watch for:
Scars, often in patterns
Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather
Frequent reports of accidental injury
Difficulties in relationships
Statements of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
Best way to support include:
create a safe & nonjudgmental environment to express emotions
encourage and facilitate connection
recognize and talk about social media influence as well as peers
If you have injured yourself severely or believe your injury is life-threatening, call 911. If you think you may attempt suicide, call 911.Call 988 for suicide hotline