Facebook Friday with SADAG
JOBURG - To raise awareness and discuss issues surrounding self-mutilation and anxiety, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group will be hosting a Facebook chat on 8 August with psychologists Liane Lurie at 1pm and Lee-Ann Hartman at 7pm.
“Self-mutilation can be classified as intentional damage inflicted by physical pain on one’s self; moreover this pain can change their moods and how they treat others,” said a statement from the group.
These behaviours can include:
- Cutting with knives or any sharp object
- Burning oneself
- Hitting one’s body with an object or your fists
- Picking at skin
- Pulling out hair.
The group added that some people self-mutilate because of low self-esteem, difficulties with relationships’ and lack of communication skills coupled with mental health issues that may be related to depression and/or anxiety and stress. Moreover they feel disconnected and isolated from society, and by hurting themselves they are able to feel real or connected.
Bronwyn Scrimgeour agrees, as she herself was a self-mutilator. “Cutting was my friend, as real as the girl in the desk beside me at school. There was no person who could calm the panic churning inside my chest. Nothing else had the power to restore my breath,” she said.
The group emphasised that by having this discussion it would allow for those who are self-harming to talk about their issues and problems openly without feeling ashamed; and more especially, to discuss their reasons for doing so. Talking about it will ultimately uncover the root of the problem.
The Friday Facebook discussion will help those who are suffering from this illness directly and indirectly, as family members and friends are also affected by this behaviour.
Lurie and Hartman will be on hand to answer any burning questions.
Details: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group Facebook page.
