What is self-harm?
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress. Those who self-harm may also struggle with suicidal thoughts; more than half of people who have tried to committ suicide also have histories of self-harm. Self-harm is often used to punish oneself or relieve unbearable tension. Sometimes, it is a mixture of both. It can also be used to communicate distress to other people. Self-harm can bring immediate relief, but it is only a temporary solution. It can also cause permanent scarring and damage to your body. There are many reason for self harm, these are a few:
- difficult relationships with friends or partners
- difficulties at school, such as not doing well academically
- difficulties at work
- being bullied, either at home, school or work
- worries about money
- alchol and drug misuse
- coming to terms with your sexuality if you think you might be gay or bisexual
- coping with cultural expectations, for example, an arranged marriage traumatic experience.
- sexual, physical or emotional abuse, including domestic abuse and rape
- the death of a close family member or friend
- having a miscarriage
What can self-harm look like?
- Cutting or burning skin
- Punching or hitting self
- Poisoning with tablets or toxic chemicals
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Deliberately starving or binge eating
- Over exercising
- Sexual promiscuity
- Gambling
People often try to keep physical self-harm a secret because they are ashamed or fearful of their scars being seen. They may cover up their skin and avoid talking about the problem. People who self-harm may not look for help themselves. Close family and friends may need to take the first steps. Self-harm can also include suicidal behaviours such as overdoses. It is important for those who have harmed themselves (or those thinking of doing so), to learn to understand and accept their complicated feelings, to be taught skills to manage them, and to be able to make positive changes in their life.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, involve abnormal eating, preoccupation with food, and prominent body weight and shape concerns. The symptoms or behaviours result in significant risk or damage to health, distress, or impairment of functioning. These conditions should be shared with GP's to maximise helping with these complex condition as anorexia can be fatal. Anorexia nervosa often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and is associated with premature death due to medical complications or suicide. Individuals with bulimia nervosa are at a significantly increased risk for substance use, suicidality, and health complications.
