What is self harm?
Self-harm is any behaviour that involves the deliberate causing of pain or injury to oneself without wanting to die. Self-harm can include behaviours such as cutting, burning or hitting oneself, binge-eating or starvation, or repeatedly putting oneself in dangerous situations. It can also involve abuse of drugs or alcohol, including overdosing on prescription medications. Self-harm is usually a response to distress, whether it be from mental illness, trauma, or psychological pain. Some people find that the physical pain of self-harm helps provide temporary relief from emotional pain.
One of the main predictors of suicide is a previous episode of self-harm. While it is common for people who self-harm to state that they have no intention of dying and that their self- harming behaviour is a coping strategy, the risk of accidental death is very real. People who self-harm repeatedly may find it becomes a compulsion that they cannot stop. This may lead to feelings of hopelessness and possible suicidal thoughts. Similarly, if self-injury does not relieve the tension or help control negative thoughts and feelings, the person may injure themselves more severely or may start to believe they can no longer control their pain and may consider suicide. In addition, some people who self-harm do also experience thoughts of suicide.
It is so important to seek support and guidance where a person can seek answers that can become a positive reflection of their thoughts and feelings. A professional psychotherapist,
Lorretta works with women and health issues like depression, general stress, anxiety, addiction, life stages, palliative care, carer support, eating disorders, obesity, weight issues loss or gain, bereavement, relationship stress and life changes like menopause and peri-menopause
Relationships Australia provides counselling, mediation, dispute resolution, relationship and parenting skills education, community support, employee assistance programs and professional training. Services and programs are available nationally. Tel. 1300 364 277
Relationship Australia’s Women and Separation resource for helping women in a relationship breakdown
Relationships Australia’s Men and Separation resource for helping men in a relationship breakdown
Family Relationships Tel. 1800 050 321
beyondblue
headspace ‒ for information on finding support during a relationship break-up
Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
MensLine Tel. 1300 78 99 78
Comments