Self-harm is a serious issue that plagues teens and young adults more than people realize. An estimated 30 per cent of teen girls and 10 per cent of teen boys say they've harmed themselves intentionally.
But why do they do it?
Self-Harm Explored
Contrary to popular belief, this issue is not a form of mental illness. When patients see a self harm counsellor, they often talk about it as a coping mechanism. For many individuals, it's a way to reclaim control of one's life after dealing with mental issues like depression and anxiety.
It's a way to feel something after the numbness of those battles. It's associated with mental illness, but many view it as more of a compulsive coping mechanism than anything else.
Self-harm is usually a personal behaviour, but it can also become a way of bonding with others. Unfortunately, it can also result in more extreme actions and suicide attempts.
Types of Self Harm
The most common form of self-harm is cutting. When this occurs, individuals will use box blades, knives, and other sharp objects to cut their bodies. Cuts typically occur on the wrist or arm. Despite how it looks, it's not always a suicide attempt. These wounds are often deep enough to draw blood but superficial enough not to cut veins.
Beyond cutting, self-harm can include a myriad of behaviours.
Other forms include:
- Hitting or punching walls
- Picking scabs
- Piercing the skin repeatedly
- Snapping bands or cords
- Over-exercise
- Unsafe sex
- Picking fights
- Excessive drinking
- Experimenting with drugs
- Pulling hair
Identifying Signs of Self-Harm
When do you know that a child or loved one needs to seek help from a self harm counsellor? This behaviour is often well-hidden, so you must pay attention to spot the symptoms.
Self-inflicted injuries typically leave behind scars and marks. You might notice blood stains on clothes, unexplained markings, and other odd spots. Individuals will also go to great lengths to hide the results of their behaviours. That may involve wearing long-sleeve clothing when it's hot out, using objects to cover parts of their body, etc.
Read a similar article about LGBTQ counsellor here at this page.
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