Self-Harm

Sally from S & L Safe Cut Kits, reached out to me about her kits. I checked out her page and love what she has created. She inspired me as it was her own daughter who was self-harming that gave her the motivation to create her non profit business and to help others. Please check out her website: https://www.safecutkits.co.uk/

Self-harm and suicide tend to be two topics that are not really discussed openly. When I was doing my training, it felt like it was two subjects I needed to know about; however, seemed to get brushed over. When I was training one of my first ever clients was a self-harmer and it can be very daunting being faced with such issues.

Self-harm can be hard for others to understand and there is a lot of stigma surrounding this issue. If you have not been affected by this directly or indirectly you blessed. Self-harming can be unique to the individual and can vary. Some people cut themselves, however there are many other ways to self-harm. Such as burning, hitting, scratching, rubbing, pulling hair out or drinking chemicals. This is not limited, and self-harming can take form in various ways.

The ‘why’ is the part what others don’t understand. This can help with someone cope, direct emotion, enjoy the feeling or showing others they are in distress. Again, this is not limited every self-harmer has their own ‘why’.

A person who self-harms can be good at hiding it… there are some symptoms to look out for. Covering up on hot days to hide their injuries, cover stories for injuries and making out it was an accident. You may notice multiple burns, scabs/scars or frequent accidents. They can use anywhere on their body, but most self-harmers injure their arms, wrists, thighs or abdomen.

The cause of self-harm again can vary from person to person. There are mental health conditions which can be associated with self-harming. These include: Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Depression, Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders, like conduct disorder and intermittent explosive disorder, Dissociative disorders, especially dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia, Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, Gender dysphoria, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sleep disorders or Substance use conditions and disorders, including alcohol intoxication, alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder.

Giving clients a safe space where they can explore their self-harm can be important to help them process and start a road to recovery. This is why I love Sally's kits too, as they help a person get on their recovery journey. A self-harmer can feel judged or like they cannot be honest with family and friends when discussing their issue. Where clients can discuss their self-harm without judgement and with more honesty with their counsellor. Exploring their emotions and feelings further.

For many people, self-harming behaviours can be difficult to understand. For people who self-harm, doing so may feel like it’s the only way to feel better or to have some control in their lives. However, self-harm still has risks and is not a sustainable way to feel better. This also affects your physical and mental health and well-being.

If you feel the need to self-harm or are doing so, it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking help for self-harm is no different from obtaining medical care for a physical condition. It may not feel like it now, but it’s possible for you to feel better both physically and mentally.