Understanding Self-Harm: Support, Strategies, and Steps Towards Healing

Trigger Warning: This blog discusses self-harm, which may be distressing to some readers. If you are struggling, please reach out for support.

Self-harm is a complex and often misunderstood behaviour that affects many people, particularly young people and those facing mental health challenges. It involves intentionally injuring oneself as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, stress, or difficult experiences. Self-harm can take many forms, such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself, and it is not always linked to a desire for suicide. However, it is a sign that someone is struggling and needs help.

If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and there are ways to manage these feelings in healthier, more constructive ways. Seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counsellor can make a significant difference in breaking the cycle of self-harm.

Why Do People Self-Harm?

Self-harm is often a response to intense emotional pain, feelings of helplessness, or numbness. It may be a way to:

• Express feelings that are hard to put into words
• Distract from overwhelming emotions or stress
• Gain a sense of control in a situation where you feel powerless
• Release pent-up emotional pain or anger

While it may provide temporary relief, self-harm does not address the underlying issues, and over time it can become difficult to stop.

Healthier Strategies to Manage Urges

If you feel the urge to self-harm, here are some alternative strategies that can help you manage your emotions in a safer way:

1. Squeeze a Stress Ball

• Source: Stress balls and other tactile distractions are often recommended by mental health professionals, including the NHS, to help manage anxiety, stress, and urges to self-harm. The act of squeezing the ball provides a physical outlet for tension and frustration.
• Why It Works: It allows the individual to release pent-up energy or anxiety in a focused and safe way, which can reduce the immediate urge to self-harm.

2. Scribble or Tear Paper

• Source: Mind UK and YoungMinds advocate creative and physical outlets for emotional distress. Vigorous scribbling or tearing paper can serve as an expressive and physical release for pent-up emotions like anger or frustration.
• Why It Works: These activities help to externalise emotions in a way that is physically active but not harmful. They provide an outlet for strong emotions and help redirect the urge to harm oneself.

3. Snap an Elastic Band

• Source: This technique is recommended by various mental health charities, including Harmless (a UK-based organisation focused on self-harm), and Self-Injury Support. The elastic band provides a sharp, temporary sensation without causing significant harm, which some individuals use as a substitute for the release they seek through self-harm.
• Why It Works: It creates a short-term physical sensation that can help to alleviate emotional distress without inflicting lasting damage.

4. Seek Connection

• Talking to someone about what you’re feeling can make a world of difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional. If you're not comfortable speaking in person, texting or writing a message to someone can also help.

Reaching Out for Support

Disclaimer: Please note that everybody is different, and everyone's experience with self-harm is unique. While these strategies may help, it's essential to seek professional support to ensure that you receive tailored advice and care that best suits your individual needs.

It’s crucial to remember that self-harm is a sign that something deeper is going on, and addressing those underlying issues is the key to healing. Speaking with a professional counsellor or therapist can help you understand the emotions behind your actions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You don’t have to go through this alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Resources and Help

If you need support, we are here for you. Whether you’re seeking guidance on how to manage self-harm or just need someone to talk to, we offer compassionate and confidential support:

?? - 0808 1963483 ?? - www.citc.team ?? - [email protected] Book an appointment

If you need immediate help, here are additional resources that may be useful:

• Mind UK: Provides advice and support for mental health problems. Visit Mind UK or call 0300 123 3393.
• Samaritans: Offers a listening ear 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.
• YoungMinds: Focuses on children and young people’s mental health. Visit YoungMinds for support.

Remember, recovery is a journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. You deserve support and care in finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.