Self-harm is how some people deal with the emotional and mental pain they are feeling. It is not something that should be romanticized, people injure themselves as an expression of rage, self-hate, depression, guilt, and other strong negative emotions. Using a mental health crisis toolkit is one way a person can deal with these issues or how someone close to them might help. Talking is important, there is a lot of stigma around mental health issues, suicide and self-harm and making sure it is not buried in silence is key. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have suffered a form of abuse or violence and self-harm is how a lot of people manage their emotions. While most are female, men also self-harm. About 10% of teenagers have or do self-harm.

Observing self-harm in loved ones

You might suspect a loved one is self-harming if you notice frequent wounds, bloodstains, accidents, wearing long sleeves and trousers even in the heat to cover their body, making excuses for such wounds. While the more common example of self-harm is cutting there are other forms, scratching at their own skin, banging heads against walls, picking at wounds to prevent them from healing, swallowing hazardous things, driving recklessly, frequently having unsafe sex, binge drinking or eating, these are also examples of self-harm. People who self-harm are also far more likely to have thoughts and even attempts of suicide. Loved ones can use a mental health toolkit to learn how to support them.

Helping people who self-harm deal with the pain in healthier ways

1. Recognizing triggers - As you learn to identify the kind of thoughts, situations, places and people that can be a trigger you can then either avoid those things or be prepared to manage the behaviour when that urge happens.
2. Using distractions - This is not a long-term solution but in the short term it is effective as you learn to move away from the behaviour. When you experience a trigger you can find a way to distract yourself from self-harm. Go for a walk, bake, take a bath, talk to a friend, read a book, whatever you choose make it something you like to do.
3. Finding support - Often people who self-harm isolate themselves and try to stay that way. Use a mental health crisis toolkit, find a support group, talk to friends or if you prefer something more anonymous look for a support network online. Talk to others who also self-harm and learn you are not alone.
4. Explore a safe substitute - Rather than cutting when you feel the need arise, find something temporary you can do that does not do as muhc damage. Wear a rubber abnd on your wrist and ping it against you, use a biro and draw a firm line.
5. Talk to a professional - Talking to a therapist or a counsellor is necessary for a lot of people in order to deal with the emotions you have.

Summary

While a mental health toolkit and other techniques can help it is important to talk to a professional when someone is self-harming.