“If you haven’t found who you are just yet, keep exploring you.” ― Ricky Maye
Self-harm is described as actions to hurt him/herself physically with the purpose of punishing or diminishing the emotional pain, without the intention to commit suicide. There are a multitude of ways a person can self-harm, and here is a list of the most common behaviours:
Cutting, burning, scratching, hitting body parts
Starving, over eating, purging, purposely staying in a cold weather without being appropriately dressed
Sleep deprivation
Drinking, smoking, drug abuse
Verbal abuse to self
One of the reasons for self-harm is the inability to identify and self-regulate emotions when the external and internal factors are overwhelming. Despite the myth that self-harming is “attention seeking behaviour”, it must be taken seriously. Self-harm is usually associated with depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses. Left untreated, it increases the risk of suicide.
Medication might be recommended.
How can I help Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help you to:
identify the emotions you are experiencing and help you express them
Find different ways to deal with the stressors
Identify your unhealthy beliefs and behaviours
Challenge and replace your unhealthy beliefs and behaviours with healthier beliefs
Practice and reinforce your new healthy beliefs and behaviours
Enhance your self-esteem and self-confidence
If you are in crisis, please call 999 or 111 or attend to your nearest A&E.
