Stigma and its effects on people who self harm

Stigma is a term that refers to the disapproval of, or discrimination against, a person based on perceivable social characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of a society.

Though over the decade's people have started to discuss and accept mental health, Self-harm doesn’t seem to be getting enough attention taking in account the number of people it affects and the amount of effect it has on people.

Mental health itself in general is stigmatized but Self harm might be the part that is stigmatized the most.

In terms of self-harm public stigma can be distinguished from self-stigma. There are many Public stigmas around self-harm. Lately, there have been some highly praised television shows aired concerning suicide, such as the BBC’s documentaries “Suicide and Me and Life After Suicide.” Though, reportage of self-harm without suicidal intent, or with stays absent. While assessments differ, research illustrates that one in every two to ten juveniles have self-harmed and those who self-harm are most likely to seek support from friends, not professionals. Even when self-harm is publicly brought up, unsuitable language and improvident media reporting is pervading. Terms such as “commit suicide” stay common on mainstream television. Guidelines for how newspapers should report suicides have been established but are rarely followed. Even lived experience statements can be stigmatizing if not phrased correctly.

For example, if someone who self harms when not completely sober says self-harm is “like this” instead of “like this for me” it can set a bar for others that an individual self harms when not completely sober. Self-harm is different for everyone and experiences can differ from person to person. Some widespread stigmas about self-harm are that an individual is responsible for their state or that an individual self harms because they are suicidal or that they are doing it for attention. The stigma surrounding self-harm can affect people who self-harm negatively. It can cause them to not reach out for support when they need it in fear of judgment. They might feel like they are not accepted.

Stigma can be highly damaging to people who self-harm. But fortunately, stigma can be removed. It is hard and will require time and patience but stigma can be ended.

We can help end stigma in various ways. And the number one thing we can do is to educate people on it.

Questions

1. How do you think stigma affects people who self-harm

2. What can we do to end the stigma

Would love to see your lovely answers thanks for reading through and participating

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