HOW TO HEAL FROM
SELF- HARMING BEHAVIOURS?
Self-harm is a behaviour, where the person hurts/injures themselves in
order to balance the emotional pain burning side.it is often
misunderstood and treated as an attempt to suicide while it is not in
most of the cases. While self-harm may be associated with other
mental health issues such as depression and OCD, it is said that self-
harm behaviour is more likely to affect young adults. Men and
women may possess different types of self-harm behaviours such as
Cutting or scraping the skin, scratching thyself, burning the skin with
cigarettes, banging the hand against the wall or overdosing with
medications.This article will help you to be aware of steps to prevent
yourself/ your beloved ones from this behaviour when you feel like
you are out of help.
How to help someone who self-harms?
(temporary)
While there are different reasons for self-harm behaviour which can be even a
coping mechanism for stress and living. Self-harm is an unhealthy way to cope
with stress as it claims to be addictive and leaves marks forever. Here are some
ways to stay away from self-harm behaviour
1) First aid and safety:
Take care of the wounds of cut/injury. Clean it with mild soap and
water to prevent infection, for more deep cuts or serious injury
Seek medical help from a professional.
2) Understanding Emotional Triggers:
Soothing their mind by asking them unrelative questions can deviate their
emotions.do not urge them for answers, non-judgmental analysis by
walking in their shoes might bring a quick solution.
3) Showing Care and Compassion:
Self-harm may be adopted by some people to feel pain who are
experiencing numbness on the inside. Provide safe space by
making them believe recovery is possible by positive gestures
4) Providing a healthy space:
During times when stress triggers, creating a space which allows to
divert negative self-thoughts by a piece of music, burning aromatic
incense, drinking ice water, hitting the pillow, workout which may
provide relief for a short time.
By self-harm behaviour our brains may release endorphins which oozes
the stress in the form of blood or the person may indicate the internal pain
by expressing it. Empathy and care will be a good recovery tool for this
behaviour. And we can come out of this by talking problems out and
listening without judgement. while this is a coping mechanism for stress,
these unhealthy behaviours may continue if not handled properly so don’t
hesitate to seek for professional mental health care just like physical care.
