Hurting yourself as a coping mechanism is increasing in schools and home environments, particularly among adolescents.
Self-injury or self-mutilation can be baffling to outside parties and wondering why someone would harm themselves. Dr Cithra Bheamadu, who often works with Akeso specialised psychiatric clinics, said what is confusing about self-injuring is how an act that is violent and painful can actually be seen as soothing to the individual.
“The conundrum of self-injury is that it is simultaneously seen as self-defeating and self-destructive, yet, paradoxically, also cited as life-sustaining, soothing and a coping mechanism in times of emotional crises.”
According to Dr Bheamadu, characteristics such as perfectionism, sensitivity and difficulty with adapting or problem-solving are just some of the factors that may, to some extent play a role in self-injurious behaviour.
Hurting yourself by cutting helps the individual cope with negative emotions. “Through self-injury, they may also wish to punish themselves for perceived transgressions or to communicate internal pain,” Dr Bheamadu added.
As with any problem, it is important to understand the source of the situation. Experts believe the violence prevalent in the world and fraught of human conflict have resulted in an obsession with a search for identity through harming our bodies.
Dr Bheamadu concluded that there are certain signs and symptoms of self-injury that parents and guardians can look out for .
“Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially on hot, humid days and refusing to wear shorts or swimming costumes should sound off alarm bells. Likewise, exhibiting a pattern of unexplained cuts or scars and bruises are tell-tale signs of self-injury.
Details: 011 447 0268
