Today I am going to talk  about a very sensitive issue which is reality for many adolescents and young adults….Self Harm.

Self harm is when you cause self injury but not with the intention of die. Self harm is considered as coping mechanism to deal with difficult painful emotions, feelings, overwhelming situation and experiences.

Talking about this topic is important because it is one of the challenge that Adolescents and young adults are facing.

Self harm is used as an coping mechanism do deal with very painful emotions..

Many use self harm a way to :

• Express something that is painful and hurtful
• Escape from traumatic memory and feel like being in control.
• Punish self for their inability to handle shame,guilt and fear.
• Stop feeling numb, distant and disassociated.

Self harm is short term release from the pain and anguish. The reason for self harm is different for every individual who tries it but generally most common reasons are:

• Low self-esteem
• Bullying
• High level of stress 
• Emotional and physical abuse 
• Sexual abuse 
• Breakdown
• Illness and bereavement
• Peer pressure
• Loss of job 
• Breakup 

Though today it is associated with adolescents and young adults but self harming can be done by people of any age.

Some most common ways of self harm are:

• Cutting self 
• Burning self 
• Getting into fights where you know you will get hurt 
• Crashing by rash driving intentionally
• Inserting things into body 
• Hitting walls 
• Pulling and plucking your hair 
• Overdosing 
• Pricking and scratching self.

The biggest problem in self harm is denial  where people do not accept they have a problem and look at it as just an incident.

Self harm is similar to addiction where , when the urge is there it seems impossible to control it. 

But with little help and self awareness it can be overcome. Understand your pattern of self harm and triggers. Become aware of your urges which are result to your triggers like repetitive thoughts, extreme anger or emotion, feeling of disconnect and isolation or racing heart.

To prevent self harm you need to keep following points in mind:

• Accept your feelings and emotions
• Build your self esteem
• Be mindful 
• Look after  your general health and wellbeing
• Reach out for support and help 
• Talk it out 

If you know someone who practices self harm always remember 

• Do not panic  or overreact 
• Remember this is their way to deal with difficult feelings so be kind 
• Do not be judgemental and believe the worst of them.
• Remember this is different from suicidal intentions and feelings.
• Do not label it as attention seeking or drama.
• Encourage them to get help and support them emotionally.

Self harm is  a vicious cycle where extreme emotional stress leads to panic and emotional overload leading to self harm creating temporary relief followed by guilt, shame and  grief bringing back to extreme emotional stress and sufferings….

People suffering from or diagnosed with certain  mental disorders like PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, border line personality disorder, eating disorder are prone  to self harm.

Little bit of empathy , awareness, kindness and support can go a long way. Remember mental health matters and you can make a difference.