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“Self injury is any deliberate, non suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on your body and is aimed at relieving emotional distress” (LifeSIGNS). Some people find that physical pain is easier to deal with than emotional pain so they inflict injuries for relief. Injuries can vary from minor cuts that heal quickly to very serious wounds that leave permanent scars.
Cutting seems to be the most common type of self injury and “cutters” use anything from razors to scissor to broken glass to make repetitive slices on their arms, legs, or other body parts. Some people burn themselves with cigarettes or lighters and others pull out their own hair.
Self injury is usually kept secret and the “cutter” often feels deep shame and guilt for this ritual. People who self injure are at risk for infections if their wounds are not treated properly and permanent scars often result from the injuries.
Self injury only provides temporary relief; it does not address the underlying issues that are causing the emotional pain. People who self injure can learn to use new and healthier coping mechanisms with the help of a trained professional. It is important to get help from a therapist who specializes in this area. New coping mechanisms usually involve self expression in the form of painting, writing, or dancing or using exercise or yoga instead of hurting oneself.
If you hurt yourself intentionally, remember that you are not alone. You make think that this behavior makes you “weird” but this type of behavior is more common than you would think.
Talk to a counselor or your health care provider. You will not be the first person that they have seen for this problem and chances are that they have helped others recover from this same problem. A professional can help you to heal, both inside and out.
Stop by the College Counseling Center on the first floor of Jonsson Tower or call 580-5555 to make an appointment
