Self-Harm Recovery Check-In: Wednesday, January 29th, 2020
Hey SHR Community,
Ok, so today we are going to touch on the topics Stigma and triggers in regards to Self Harm. People who self-harm are not necessarily suicidal or attention-seeking, but these are just two of the misconceptions you may come across. Misconception another word for Stigma.
Myths and stereotypes
Negative stereotypes around self-harming can make you feel like you dont want to come forward for help and advice. You may be worried because youll be judged and that you wont be taken seriously. If youre frustrated that a friend or family member just doesnt get you, remind them that self-harm isnt about attention-seeking or part of ‘ emo youth culture, but often a response to emotional pressure and distress. Self-harming is not a disease or something that can be narrowed down like dyslexia or a cold, or the flu, Its something far bigger and more complicated than that.
Self-harming is attention-seeking often one misconception that is used the most.
Stripping naked and running down the high street would be attention-seeking, but self-harming is very private and personal. People who self-harm often go to great lengths to cover up their injuries. The attention that self-harming does bring is often negative and doesnt help to relieve distress. Positive attention, such as lending an ear and listening, can help somebody who is experiencing distress and dealing with the pressures of everyday life.
want to see a video on the common myths click HERE This will explain the rest of the myths i listed below
list of myths
People who self-harm are suicidal
Its only a teenage thing – you will grow out of it
People who self-harm could stop if they wanted to
People who have self-harmed have been abused - while for some this is true not true for everyone their are different triggers for everyone and we can discuss that shortly
Self-harm is when you cut yourself -Cutting is only one form of self-harm and although its one of the most common reported forms, there are other ways that people may hurt themselves intentionally. This might be hair pulling, head banging, scratching, burning and overdosing.
People self-harm to fit in or be cool
The wound isnt that bad – so the problem cant be that bad
ok now for triggers there can be many different ones someone may have had a bad experience , could be a place a person etc just to list a few a trigger could also be being stigmatised not being believed that your hurting and you should feel supported lets move into a few topical questions.
What Is a Self-Harm Trigger?
A trigger is any act or event that serves as a stimulus and initiates a reaction or series of reactions. In relation to self-harm, a trigger is anything that gives you the urge to harm yourself. It could be a situation, a person, a smell, a sight, an emotion, etc. If you know how to recognize your self-harm triggers, you can prevent the behavior.
Why People Self-Harm
There are many reasons why someone could self-harm. People may self-harm because of an environmental factor like a death in the family, divorce, going off to school, etc. These stressors can lead to anxiety which can lead to greater stress. Psychological issues can also play a factor including depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. There is not just one answer as to why someone self-harms. Everyone has different triggers that create an urge to self-harm.
Recognize Self-Harm Triggers by Documenting Relapses and Urges
One of the best ways to start figuring out your self-harm triggers is to document them in a log. After you have a relapse or when you start to feel the urge to harm yourself spend some time thinking about what just happened. Take out your self-harm log or document and write down these things:
Where were you when you had this urge? Who was with you? What was being said?
How were you feeling in that moment?
How did you cope with the urge?
When you start logging every time you get an urge you start seeing patterns of things that trigger your self-harm urges. When you start to see these patterns you can find healthier ways to avoid and/or cope with them.
Topic Questions
What are some of the misconceptions, stereotypes or myths you hear about self-harm the most frequently?
Why do you think those misconceptions, stereotypes and myths about self-harm exist? Where do they come from?
What makes it difficult for you to tell others that you self-harm or have self-harmed?
Is there any Triggers you like to share with us that may be the reason you self harm? identifying triggers may make it easier knowing what they are so you can find ways to cope or avoid these as best as can be you do not have to if not comfortable figuring that out yet .
the topic is, of course, optional not mandatory if the topic isn't for you then here's a few Check-In questions you can do today.
Check-In Questions
Using feeling wheel-how are you feeling today? if you do not quite know what colour is it instead maybe what weather also if unsure on colour.to describe how you feel are you stormy purple lightning etc
Anything on your mind you wish to share with us? what is going well? not so well?
Has the topic written above helped you gave any ideas for you to try do you feel ready to figure out your reasons to Self Harm ?
Anything you wish to ask?
resources used
https://www.themix.org.uk/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-myths-5695.html
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@CaringBrit Hey Brit - How are you?
@CaringBritWhat are some of the misconceptions, stereotypes or myths you hear about self-harm the most frequently? the attention one
Why do you think those misconceptions, stereotypes and myths about self-harm exist?i do feel that SOME ppl do say it for attention like you stated for the most part ppl go through great lengths to hide it
What makes it difficult for you to tell others that you self-harm or have self-harmed? I don't really like to tell ppl about it it's hard for some people to look past that I also don't like when certain people do know and that's all they want to talk about like when they haven't seen you in awhile also like if I happen to not want to take off my sweater or jacket they just assume it's because I cut and I'm like no I literally just don't want to take it off I'm cold or whatever and sometimes they demand that I take it off and I just do it so they'll shut up
Is there any Triggers you like to share with us that may be the reason you self harm? Feeling like im not being heard .. Feeling like im not good enough ..feeling numb to things that i think i should be feeling
@CaringBrit
The misconception I've heard the most is that self harm is for attention.
I haven't told many people that I uaed to self harm because I'm afraid of how they will view me.
I've learned most of my triggers which was very important to me being able to find different coping methods.
How are you doing?
@RedHawk6547
yes i hear that one alot too sorry for delay in reply
aww i understand how that feels and very valid to be scared stigmatization is not nice at all
great job on learning what most of the triggers are so you can find coping methods
im good