Monday 25 September 2017

Lets talk about Self-harm

Lets talk about Self-harm

Its time to break the taboo of Self harm.




The UK has the highest self harm rate of any other country in Europe, and female suicide rates are the highest they've ever been in over a decade.
According to statistics 1 in 10 young people will Self-harm at some point In their life, that is roughly 3 in every classroom. So why are we still not talking about it?

Its sad that the subject is still so taboo; even in todays 'enlightened society', for most people that very idea that an individual, for whatever reason, would self harm fills them with horror and disgust.
Because people can't see it, they won't discuss it. Its like burying you head in the sand and hoping that the problem will disappear. However it never works and just leaves the person struggling in
silence.

Self-harm is real, very real. In first year of secondary school when the age range is eleven to twelve it is estimated that three pupils will have thought about or acted on thoughts to self-harm.
People self harm for all kinds of different reasons, some are unhappy with how they look, others will try to punish themselves for not being societies idea of 'good enough'  but most will use self-harm as a way to deal with difficult thoughts and emotions their experiencing.

Self-harm Is an addiction. It may start off by an impulse or something you do to feel in more control but soon with out realising self harm will start to control you.

Ok, so you are probably wondering how Self-harm can become an addiction?
When you are injured, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine (happiness hormone) to compensate for the pain. So when an individual begins Self-harming their body then releases this chemical which gives them a slight happiness boost. People become addicted to the endorphins released in their brain when you act on the urge to self harm - this then leads to them feeling like they can't stop.

If you know someone who is struggling with self-harm or you suspect they might be - Please don't confront them angrily. Don't excuse them of being selfish or stupid. Because the truth is they're not.
Sometimes our view of ourself and the world around us are skewed compared to others. Reacting in a way that will come across as aggressive will not help the situation. Everyones reactions to these things are different and it is understandable but it is not going to help and will usually make matters worse. Talk calmly, and if the person wants to talk, then listen. Because listening to what they want to say and why they are self-harming can make a massive difference and it will reinforce to that person that people do care. Have a conversation about other, more safer, coping mechanisms.

Selfharm - Alternatives?
. Sit with family - they will feel much safer around people than when they are by themselves. The risk of self harm is much higher when an individual is alone.
. Go on a walk - If they have a dog then going for a nice relaxing walk can be a good distraction.
Take a bath - Have a nice bath with your favourite bath bomb, etc!
Watch something on TV - Put something on tv that you enjoy or put your favourite film on - as watching something you love will help and make you feel a tad better!
Draw/colouring in - If you like art then drawing may be a good distraction. And also you might of have heard about the  'De-stress colouring books' which have became really popular in the last year - these are a great distraction if you are struggling.
There is loads of distractions out there but I've listed some of the main most helpful ones!

The sad thing is, there is advice, guidance and support out there; but because no one talks about it there is no real way to tell people that their not alone. If you a struggling with self-harm then please reach out for help! Suffering in silence is not the way forward.

Whilst I hope that self-harm will eventually become a thing of the past. Right know it isn't so pretending that it doesn't exist will only make matters worse.
So please, access the help out there!

I hope you've enjoyed reading this post and that you've learnt a thing or two about the truths of Self-harm.

Thank you for reading,
lots of love,
Leah x











SHARE:

No comments

Post a Comment

© Leah Alder. All rights reserved.
Blogger Templates made by pipdig