Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1st) focuses on increasing education and support on a widely misunderstood issue. According to the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, approximately 4% of Americans self-harm, with a majority of those being college students.
Before we go further, the following content will include talk about self-harm, viewer discretion is advised.
Self-injury can include cutting, scratching, punching, and ingestion of harmful chemicals. Those who cause self-injury may do it for multiple reasons, some of which include coping with fear, stress, anxiety, or inducing positive feelings. Some signs that may indicate a self-harm victim include:
- Wearing clothing that doesn’t match the season (wearing a hoodie during the summer)
- Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises
- Inability to handle emotions
- Avoiding relationships
- Issues at work, home, or school
- Poor-self esteem
Note: These signs may not always indicate self-harm. They may also be a sign of other mental health issues.
How to Help
There are ways that you can help someone who you suspect or know is struggling with self-harm:
- Provide resources or be a safe, trustworthy person they can talk to
- Educate yourself to better understand this issue
- Help remove the stigma
- Open a dialogue by starting conversations
- Show your support by wearing orange and using #SelfInjuryAwarenessDay
Self-Injury Q&A
Q1. Is self-harm considered a mental health disorder?
A1. No. But it is a symptom of concern or a sign of mental health disorders.
Q2: Is someone who self-harms only doing it for attention?
A2: No. Those who perform this act are looking for relief from stress or anxiety. They typically hide their injuries due to shame.
Q3: Can those who self-harm be treated?
A3. Yes. Treatments and therapy can be a god combination.