By NAMI Southwest Washington
March marks Self-Harm Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to shining a light on a difficult topic. Self-harm, often misunderstood, is a behavior where individuals intentionally cause injury to themselves as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, stress, or trauma. It’s a pressing issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, often in silence. Understanding self-harm is the first step toward empathy, support, and healing for those who struggle with it.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm includes any action taken to intentionally injure oneself, often as a misguided means of dealing with emotional pain. This can manifest in various forms, such as cutting, burning, hitting oneself, or engaging in other forms of physical harm. It’s important to note that self-harm isn’t a mental illness in itself but a behavior indicating deeper emotional distress. It is also not an attempt at suicide, though it may be a cry for help and a significant risk factor for future suicide attempts.
The reasons behind self-harm are as complex as they are personal. For some, it’s a way to express feelings that seem impossible to put into words. For others, it’s a means to exert control over their own bodies when other parts of their lives feel uncontrollable. Some individuals describe a sense of relief from intense emotional pain following self-harm, while others use it as a way to physically manifest their emotional suffering.
Consider Alex, a high school student who has always felt the pressure to excel academically and athletically. Lately, Alex has been feeling overwhelmed by expectations and fears of failure. Feeling isolated and unable to express these fears to friends or family, Alex turns to self-harm as a way to cope with these intense emotions. The physical pain temporarily distracts Alex from emotional distress, creating a dangerous cycle that is difficult to break without help.
Do you know someone close to you that might be engaging in self-harm? There is good news – there are ways that you can help! You can find a few tips on helping your loved one (friend or family) below, and you can also use the link below to find support and social groups that can assist in recovery from mental health issues.
His situation is a poignant example of how the pressures and expectations placed on young people today can lead to self-harm as a coping mechanism. In this scenario, Alex represents countless individuals who, faced with relentless demands for success in various aspects of life, find themselves cornered, without the tools or support needed to manage their emotional turmoil in healthy ways.
For Alex, the cycle begins with an overwhelming sense of expectation—be it from parents, teachers, peers, or self-imposed. When these expectations feel unattainable, the fear of failure creeps in, leading to a profound emotional distress that Alex finds unbearable. Unable to vocalize these feelings or seek solace in friends or family, Alex turns to self-harm. The act of self-harm, then, serves multiple functions: it’s a release, a distraction from emotional pain, and a physical manifestation of internal suffering.
However, this relief is temporary. The cycle perpetuates as the root causes—overwhelm, isolation, and unaddressed emotional pain—remain unresolved. Each act of self-harm reinforces the behavior as a coping mechanism, making it a harder habit to break over time.
Recognize the Signs
Someone who is self-harming might go to great lengths to conceal their injuries, making it challenging to recognize the signs. These can include wearing long sleeves and pants even in hot weather, unexplained bruises or scars, and avoiding situations where injuries might be revealed (like swimming). Emotional signs might include withdrawal from friends and activities, mood swings, and unexplained irritability or anger.
If you suspect someone might be harming themselves, your support can make a significant difference. Here are some ways to help:
- Start a Conversation: Approach them with care, avoiding judgment. You might say, “I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior, and I’m concerned about you. If you want to talk, I’m here.”
- Listen and Validate: If they open up about their self-harm, listen without judgment. Validate their feelings by acknowledging the pain they’re experiencing, even if you don’t fully understand it.
- Encourage Professional Help: Self-harm is often a sign of underlying issues that need professional attention. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. Offer to support them in this process, whether by helping find a therapist or being there when they make a call.
- Stay Connected: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of distress. Stay in touch, make plans for social activities, and check in regularly to show you care.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about self-harm to better understand what they’re going through. This knowledge can help you provide more empathetic support.
- Emergency Situations: If you believe someone is in immediate danger of severely harming themselves or attempting suicide, seek emergency help right away.
Self-Harm Awareness Month is a time to spread knowledge and foster understanding about self-harm, aiming to break the stigma and silence that often surrounds it. By educating ourselves and reaching out with compassion and support, we can make a difference in the lives of those who struggle with self-harm, guiding them toward healing and hope.
