Self-mutilation is a cry for help
There are different ways in which people inflict injury upon themselves.
TODAY, March 1, is Self-Injury Awareness Day.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the definition of self-harm is when someone causes damage by inflicting physical pain that changes their mood state.
To find out more about self-mutilation, we at Caxton Local Media spoke to Alishia Mudaly, a specialist wellness counsellor from Durban.
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“Not everyone with depression self-harms, and similarly, many people who self-harm are not depressed,” she said.
“Anger may lead to urges to harm oneself. Many people only hurt themselves a few times before stopping. But, for some people, self-harm can develop into a longer-term, recurrent activity,” she added.
She said self-harm can also be a suicidal act although not everyone who self-harms is suicidal.
“Research shows that many people described self-harm as a ‘form of control’. For them, it was a way to control or contain what otherwise felt like uncontrollable feelings of upset and depression, or an ‘overwhelming’ life. In this sense, self-harming was like a ‘bad coping strategy’ for people who didn’t know how else to ease their pain,” said Mudaly.
She added that most self-harm occurred in private. The majority of the time, it’s done carefully or consistently, which frequently produces a pattern on the skin.
Some examples include:
1. Using a sharp tool to cut, scratch, or pierce the skin.
2. Burning themselves with hot, sharp items such as knives, ignited matches, or cigarettes – and sometimes using that to write words or symbols on their skin.
3. Self-punching, head-bashing, biting, or self-hitting.
4. Placing things beneath the skin.
“Self-injury usually affects the arms, legs, chest and belly. However, any part of the body can be the target, and multiple techniques are used at once,” she said.
Mudaly advises that any sort of self-harm is a call for help.
“Reach out for assistance if you are hurting yourself, even a little, or if you have suicidal thoughts. Any type of self-harm indicates greater stressors that require care,” said Mudaly.
She advised that victims can also speak with a person they trust, such as a friend, relative, medical professional, spiritual guide or school counsellor, nurse, or teacher.
“These people can aid in your initial steps toward a successful course of treatment. Even though you may feel guilty and humiliated by your actions, you can get support and guidance from people who won’t pass judgment on you,” she said.
If you or someone you know requires help with regard to self-injury, contact a professional or reach out to SADAG for assistance.
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