Monday Mental Health Fact 11/27--Talking about Self-Harm
In honor of the fabulous work being done in the new Self-Harm Recovery Subcommunity and Group Support Rooms, I want to discuss a bit about how to talk about self-harm in a safe and effective way.
While discussing self-harm, it's important to be mindful of potential triggers both for yourself and for other users here on 7 Cups. Generally, it's best to avoid specific methods of self-injury as well as graphic details. Speak of self-harm in general terms and refrain from discussing means.
The same goes for talking about suicide attempts or perhaps a loved one who died by suicide. Avoid discussing the specific methods or details.
But wait... does self-harm itself count as a suicide attempt? While many people who self-harm may indeed be thinking about suicide, it's important to distinguish the difference. The distinguishing factor is in the intent. Those who self-harm are not necessarily doing so because of thoughts of suicide. Many self-harm as a means to cope and attempt to find relief. Those who self-harm do so not to inflict pain, but to relieve pain.
Self-harm can also become addictive as many people receive a burst of endorphins which provides relief to built up tension. Being aware of this pattern and the addictive cycle that can follow is important in understanding what someone here on 7 Cups may be going through when they disclose thoughts or intents of self-harm.
Thanks again to those who are helping build up the Self-Harm Recovery Subcommunity!!! 
@eccho @kindsoul10 @Twitch98 @fluffykittens86 @dancingstrawberry34 @phoenixash @Erato @BugInARug
Why is it that self harm can be so addictive, but things that are similar to self harm but being done for their health benefits can be so incredibly difficult mentally to do?
@AffyAvo Self harm can give a release of pain and it releases endorphines. That is sometimes what can make it addictive so when you look at the other part when you are doing something even though it is similar, it doesn't give the same reaction or sense of feeling or relief. I think that might be why it is harder to do those other things.
@Kate thank you so so much for this post! There are lots of people who connects suicide and self-harm. While they can go together but at the same time it's pretty often that people are self-harming because of their addition and because they want to cope with their emotional pain, not because they want to commit suicide. So it can be hard for self-harmer when listener blocks connection with them only because they mention self-harm. It's not something we are not allowed to talk and it's important to remmeber that the help form someone who is self-harming, support through relapses and when recovering is something very important.
Kate, all points you mentioned are true! c: Thankies for posting this!