Self-Injury Awareness Day Being Observed Today

International Self-Injury Awareness Day [SIAD] is being observed today [Mar 1] and in an effort to help raise awareness, the Bermuda Counsellors Association has issued a poster with information and tips.

The poster says, “Self-Injury is the infliction of physical injury to a person’s own body, as a means of coping. These actions are deliberate, and are not considered life threatening. The cause of physical pain distracts an individual from their strong emotional distress.

“Individuals may also use self-injury as a way to get rid of feelings of numbness and disassociation. However, the desired effects are only temporary and if the emotional trauma goes unaddressed these behaviors can become more severe.

Tips:

“Educate yourself – The ability to identify the warning signs can help someone you love get the help they deserve.

“Do not judge – Do not assume that your loved one is seeking attention. Self-Injury is a coping mechanism. They may just need someone to listen to them. You can offer additional support by connecting them to some of the resources below.

“Don’t tell them to stop – For a person who has come to rely on their self-injurious behaviors, getting them to stop without a healthy alternative in place, may cause more harm than good.

FAQs

“Q: Who self-Injures?

“A: There is no profile for people who self-injure. It can affect anyone regardless of race, age, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or personal strength.

“Q: What qualifies as a self-injury?

“A: The most common forms of self-injury include scratching, cutting, burning [including eraser burns], head banging and misuse of prescribed medications. However, people often find unique ways of causing themselves harm.”

#Health

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