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Self Harm, also known as self injury, self inflicted violence, or self mutilation, can be defined as “The intentional harm of one’s own body without suicidal intent’ (Alderman 1997)
People who self-harm often do so because they can see no other way of dealing with unbearable feelings - it becomes their way of coping. The rates of self-harm in the UK have increased over the past decade and are amongst the highest in Europe. Most common methods are cutting and burning, but most use a mixture of direct and indirect methods, and do not find it easy to give up.
Contrary to popular belief, self-harm is not usually an attention-seeking behaviour.Most people who self-harm tend to have very low self-esteem, and do so in private away from friends and family. They need to find support and more positive ways of coping with distress before they are able to stop. Although the link between self-harm and suicide is a strong one, most people who self harm are not attempting suicide, but trying to find a way to survive.
You may want to contact me if you feel you need help overcoming self harm yourself, or are struggling to support someone you know who is self harming.
You may also find these websites helpful:
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You can find me on skype at 'wellwaterscounselling'
Copyright © 2011 Deema Davidson All rights reserved |
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