Written by Harmless CEO, Caroline Harroe.
Introduction
Self-harm is a difficult and complex issue that can have devastating consequences. It’s important to remember, however, that self-harm isn’t the end of the road. In this article we will explore how individuals who are struggling with self-harm can find help and support in order to move forward towards recovery. We’ll discuss why it’s so important for those affected by self-harm to seek professional assistance as well as provide some tips on how they can begin their journey towards healing.
Understanding self-harm and its causes
When someone talks about self-harm, they are usually referring to the act of deliberately harming oneself physically. However, self-harm can also encompass any behaviour that is damaging to oneself, whether it is physical or psychological. Self-harm is often used as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. It can be a way to release pent-up anger and pain, or a way to numb emotional anguish. For some people, self-harm provides temporary relief from overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, worthlessness and isolation.
Self-harm is not necessarily an attempt at suicide – although it can be – but rather a cry for help. People who self-harm often do so in secret and feel tremendous shame and guilt about their behaviours. They may believe that they are unworthy of help or love, or that no one could possibly understand what they are going through. The good news is that there is help available for those struggling with self-arm – both in terms of mental health treatment and support groups specifically geared towards recovery from this type of harmful behaviour. It’s important to remember that self harm isn’t the end if the road . There Is always hope things will get better
Seeking help for yourself or a loved one
If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, it can be difficult to know how to help. Self-harm is a way of dealing with overwhelming emotions by physically hurting oneself. It’s often seen as a cry for help, and it’s important to remember that self-harm isn’t the same as suicide. People who self-harm usually don’t want to die – they just want to relieve their pain in any way possible.
If you suspect that someone you know is self-harming, the best thing you can do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you care and offer your support. If they don’t want to talk about it, respect their wishes but continue to check in on them periodically. It’s also important to create a safe environment where they feel comfortable talking about their feelings without judgment.
There are not always many resources around Self Harm but there are organizations that can provide support and connect individuals with mental health professionals who can help them recover from self harm. Harmless Is the specialist Centre of Excellence for self harm and suicide prevention.
Challenges you may face during recovery from self-harm
Self-harm is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. While recovery from self-harm can be difficult, it is possible. Here are some of the challenges you may face during recovery:
One of the biggest challenges in recovering from self-harm is overcoming the urge to harm yourself again. This can be a difficult process, as it requires finding new and healthy ways to cope with stress and emotions. It’s also important to find a support system that will help you through this tough time.
Another challenge faced during recovery is dealing with triggers. Triggers are anything that sets off the urge to harm yourself again. These can be external (such as seeing someone else hurt themselves) or internal (such as feeling overwhelmed by emotions). It’s important to identify your triggers and have a plan in place for how to deal with them when they occur.
Lastly, one of the most common challenges faced during recovery from self-harm is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Self-harm often goes hand-in-hand with suicidal ideation, so it’s important to get help if you’re struggling with these thoughts or behaviours… Suicide prevention hotline
Supportive techniques to aid in your healing journey
If you’re reading this, it means that you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. I want to let you know that there is hope and healing available, no matter how dark things may seem right now. Here are some supportive techniques that can aid in your journey to recovery:
1) Firstly, and most importantly, get professional help. This could be in the form of therapy, medication, or both. It’s so important to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through and can offer guidance and support. 2) Secondly, build a support system of close friends or family members who you can rely on when times are tough. These people should provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when needed but also be able to give honest feedback when necessary. 3) Spend time outside in nature – go for walks/runs, sit in the park, etc. Being around trees and plants has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental wellbeing (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5734137/). 4) Make sure to take care of your physical health as well – eat nutritious meals regularly, exercise often (this releases endorphins which have mood-boosting effects), get enough sleep every night (7–8 hours is ideal), etc.. A healthy body equals a healthy mind! 5) Finally, do things that make YOU happy! This could be anything from painting to playing an instrument to watching cute animal videos online…whatever brings YOU joy. Find what makes YOU happy and make time for it every day if possible
Moving forward with life beyond self-injury
Moving forward with life beyond self-injury may seem like an impossible task, but it is possible. Self-harm is not the end of the road. Recovery is possible and there is hope for a better future.
Self-harm can be incredibly damaging, both physically and emotionally. It can be difficult to move on from self-harm when it feels like it’s all you know. But recovery is possible. There are many resources available to help you heal and move on from self-harm. Therapists, support groups, and online resources can all be helpful in your journey towards recovery.
Suicide is also a serious problem that needs to be addressed. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please get help immediately by calling a suicide hotline in your country/area. Suicide should never be seen as an option or solution to problems because it isn’t – it only creates more pain and suffering for those left behind.”
Conclusion
Self-harm is a serious issue that can have long lasting effects, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With proper support and treatment, those who self-harm can learn how to cope with their emotions in healthier ways and move forward on a path towards healing. It’s important for anyone struggling with self-injury to reach out for help from friends, family members or mental health professionals so they don’t feel alone in their journey. By taking these steps, individuals will find hope and strength as they work through difficult times.