Very few people understand why an
individual self harms. It is very distressing to view a disfigured body that
has been deliberately defaced with a cutting instrument i.e. broken glass,
razor blade, kitchen knife, scissors, etc
However, there are other ways of self harming not
necessarily detected as such i.e. overdosing, burning,self inflicted blows,
smoking, pulling off skin and nails, narcotics abuse, alcohol abuse,
substance abuse, pulling hair out, laxative abuse.
The list is not exhaustive.
There is only one reason why individuals self harm ; they
try to regain control of their life as they find the emotional feelings are
too unbearable -physical pain is the control and relief.
Many individuals do not know the cause but do remember
the day they discovered a way out of their living torment. sadly, for many,
the causes have happened in childhood with physical, sexual, emotional, or
mental abuse being consitently inflicted until the self esteem is so badly
damaged, that the individual takes on the role of victim AND abuser. This
reinforces the emotional and mental distress thus continuing to spiral out
of control to unacceptable high levels of risk.
Voluntary agencies
i. Life Signs
This is a voluntary organisation that supports people who
are affected by self injury.
ii. SIARI Self Harm and Related Issues
This is a web site that provides an insight into the
complex phenomenon of self injury and the issues that surround it, and has
support message boards, and a resource directory.
iii. UK Trichotillomania support
This is a support group for sufferers [pulling out hair]
offering a message board, information, and advise.
