New Delhi: Self-harm (SH), also known as self-injury, remains a misunderstood condition even today. This condition can happen to people of all ages, ethnic groups and religions, but unfortunately many still lack the knowledge about how best to deal with or support a friend or family member who self-harms.
Self-injury occurs when a person deliberately and repeatedly harms the surface of his/her own body in a way that is impulsive, but not intended to be lethal. Although it’s typically not meant as a suicide attempt, self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.
Certain factors that may increase the risk of self-injury, including, age, life issues, excessive alcohol or drug abuse, having friends who self-injure, etc.
Signs and symptoms of self-injury may include-
- Cutting or stabbing the skin with a sharp object – usually on the wrists, arms, thighs and chest
- Scratching to hurt one’s self
- Hair pulling
- Alcohol or drugs abuse
- Wearing long sleeves or long pants to keep themselves fully covered, even in hot weather
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Signs of depression and other mental health conditions
- Changes in eating habits or being secretive about eating
- Low self-esteem
- Poor functioning at work, school or home.
If you’re injuring yourself or have thoughts of harming yourself, do not keep it to yourself, but reach out for help by talking to someone you trust. Seek help from your doctor or other health care provider.
Similarly, if you think a friend or a family member displays the signs of self-harm, do not hesitate to talk to the person and offer help, including encouraging him/her to seek medical and mental health treatment.
Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD), also known as Self-Harm Awareness Day, is a grassroots annual global awareness event held on March 1 each year. The main objective of the event is to to raise awareness about self-harm and self-injury – which means educating people who do not self-injure, and reaching out to people who do
