17 Secrets
Readers,
You know how much I love numbered articles! Well, here's one more for the masses.
From TheMighty:
Editors note: If you struggle with self-harm, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741-741.
Although the word might draw images of young girls fueled with teenage angst, self-harm affects woman and men of all ages, races and backgrounds. According to Mental Health America, its estimated that about 2 million people in the United States injure themselves, sometimes as a way to express or deal with emotional pain.
We asked people in our community whove engaged in self-harm what they wish people understood about this often misunderstood and hidden practice. If you or a loved one self-harms, you should know youre not alone, treatment is available and you should never be afraid to reach out for help.
Visit the link below for the full article:
Heres What People Who Self-Harm Wish Others Understood
@blitheSun94 thxs for posting this.
@CastielIsPerfect
Glad to. This is something I've struggled with myself. ♡
Yes, i wish everyone in the world would read this! Self-harm that is not cutting related is not talked about very much, and I'm glad that was on there. I also really appreciate the one where the writer points out that they are definitely not doing it for attention and would rather no one saw it at all. I definitely remember going to great lengths to cover it up.
Thanks for posting! :) <3
@KimIsHereI
I covered up for years until after I recovered and decided I would not be ashamed of the wars I've won. It makes some people uncomfortable, but my skin is not for other people- sometimes it can be a great conversation starter. I am in the process of covering them with pretty tattoos.
Yes, there are many, many forms of self destruction.
😁
@blitheSun94
Very helpful post, Thank you 
@blitheSun94
Thanks for sharing this. I haven't self-harmed in months, but I still get the overwhelming urge to do it every now and then.
@RayneStorm
You're most welcome! I still experience urges myself and believe I always will. This is why coping skills and support become paramount. What types of strategies do you use to cope with these impulses?
Thank you for sharing on a sensitive subject. <3
@blitheSun94
I try to do some Tai Chi, Yoga, or Muay Thai practice during these moments. And I also remember that I have an amazing partner and I don't want to hurt her by hurting myself. That tends to do the trick. :)
I use to self harm been clean for a few years now. i find that listening to slipknot helps me escape from all the bullshit in my life.
@kebabman
Congrats on your progress! I can definitely relate to this. Sometimes indulging in darkness allows us to express ourselves in less harmful ways. It is so important to acknowledge these parts of ourselves. I wish you continued strength. <3
@blitheSun94
Thank you for this :) I can finally share something that is true to my friends and family. Most people at my school think people self harm for attention and I just love anything that can prove them otherwise.
@krisfelodese
Indeed, some people do. But this is a very complex and highly misunderstood topic, even amongst professionals. Learning the function of a behavior is half the battle. I think a large portion of the challenge is due to the fact that it works. Without sounding crass, it offers relief, expression, endorphins, distraction and so on. Not to mention the addictive properties. It isn't always linked to self worth or attention, but it can be. I love anything that fights against stigma. <3
@blitheSun94
thank you for this <3 it is really true people who self harm need to be understood not judged i always felt i was being judged when i self harmed <3
@blitheSun94
thank you for this <3 it is really true people who self harm need to be understood not judged i always felt i was being judged when i self harmed <3
Thank you for sharing this, it's true other than teenage cutting it doesn't get talked about. I only recently realized myself that things like punching (walls or myself) pinching etc were self harm and just as negative of a distraction tactic from the noise.
Thank you all for sharing! I think the most misunderstood aspect of self injury when it is genuine and not attention-seeking is that it works. It is a valid coping skill for legitimate scientific reasons that include shifts in brain chemistry when under distress. Be that as it may, this remains a poor and socially unacceptable coping skill, and so we must find another way. I struggled with self hard for more than ten years. I am thrilled to say I have been SI free for 2 years, although I am still working on living openly with my scars.