March is Self-Harm Awareness Month

Self-harm (Noun). The act of purposely hurting oneself as an emotional coping mechanism. March is Self-Harm Awareness Month. This dedicated month aims to raise awareness about self-harm, breaking the stigma, and providing support and hope to those who have or currently struggle with it.

Self-harm is also known as nonsuicidal self-injury or NSSI. It describes the act of purposely harming oneself, usually as a way to cope with difficult or stressing thoughts and feelings. The most common act of injury is cutting with a sharp object. Some people also cause burns, pull out hair, and pick at wounds to prevent healing. Extreme injuries can also result in broken bones. I’m ashamed to say it, but I have done some of those in the past. But I am also very proud to say, that I am one year free of cutting on my journey! With support, I have lessened my harmful urges, learned to manage my emotions and have developed safer coping mechanisms. My scars act as an incentive to stay focused and to keep going on my road to recovery!

Self-harm is not a mental illness, but rather a behavior. There are several illnesses associated with self-harm, including anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. It is not usually meant as a suicide attempt, but it is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger, and stress, and should be taken seriously. Life-threatening injuries are usually not intended, but if someone is hurting themself, they may be at an increased risk for more serious injury.

Self-harm mostly happens in private and is done in a controlled manner or the same way each time. It often leaves a pattern on the skin. Some examples of self-harm include:

Cutting, scratching or stabbing with a sharp object.
Burning with matches, cigarettes, or heated, sharp objects such as knives.
Carving words or symbols on the skin.
Self hitting, punching, biting or head banging.
Piercing the skin or inserting objects under the skin.

The arms, legs, chest and belly are the most frequent targets of self-injury, but any area of the body can be injured. Some symptoms of self-harm may include:

Scars, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks or other wounds.
Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn.
Wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide injury, even in hot weather.
Frequent reports of accidental injury.
Difficulties in relationships or a change in behaviors that are impulsive, intense, and unexpected.
Talk of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness.

If you’re injuring yourself, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for help. Any sign of self-injury is a sign of bigger stressors that need attention. You can start by talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or your primary care physician. They can help you take the first steps to successful treatment. While you may feel ashamed and embarrassed about your behavior, you can find support from people who aren’t going to judge you. If you have a friend or family member who is self-harming, gently express your concern and encourage the person to seek medical or mental health treatment. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call, text, or chat online. There is always hope for healing and recovery!