it is difficult to create a profile of those
that self injure. Because most research is
done in a clinical setting, self-injury has
been linked to childhood abuse or trauma,
especially childhood sexual abuse, eating
disorders, substance use, post-traumatic
stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety (Yates, 2004).
Photo source: www.redorbit.com
Even though the intent of self-injurers
is typically not suicide, there are many
dangers of this behavior. It can become
desperate and lack of self-control. It has
an addictive-like nature to it as the endorphins that are released with the behavior
can become addictive. As the person gains
relief from the act, tolerance is increased
and needing increasing amounts of the
behavior. Just like with a drug or alcohol
addiction, there is the possibility of an
“overdose,” that may lead to more harm
that intended, which can result in medical
complications or even death (Purington &
Whitlock, 2004).
“I would say it is just like a drug. It
becomes something that you feel you can’t
live without. When it works once to ‘fix’ a
problem, you will try it again and see that
it will work again. Eventually your small
cuts aren’t enough and you cut more and
more. You gain more ‘tolerance.”
--Lia (Ray, 2008)
There are some common misconceptions
about self-injury, which can be a roadblock
for treatment and care. One of misconception is that those who are self-injures are
suicidal. Self-injury is distinct from suicide.
Although self-injurious and suicidal acts
may blur their meaning does not. The link
between the two is that self-injury is an
alternative to suicide. A person who truly
attempts suicide seeks to end all feelings
whereas a person who self-injures seeks to
feel better (Favazza, 1998).
“Self-injury has probably saved me
from suicide, strange, as it may seem.
If I had not had this coping mechanism,
this escape, I would probably have killed
myself by now.”
Photo source: helpingmenblog.blogspot.com
ABUSE MAGAZINE
Those who engage in self-injury are
often seen as being manipulative or seeking
attention. The painful truth is that people
who self-injure generally do so in secret.
They aren’t trying to manipulate others
or draw attention to themselves. In fact,
shame and fear can make it very difficult to
come forward and ask for help.
Providing help for those who are possible
self-injurers comes with its own problems.
Fortunately, there are some guidelines that
can assist in getting the support that these
individuals need. Know that the injuring is
a coping strategy, a maladaptive one, but
not the problem itself. Instead of focusing
on the behavior, understand that the youth
needs help to identify and express issues
verbally. It may be difficult to deal with
ones own emotional response to those who
are self-injuring. It is important not to minimize the problem. For example, assuming
that they are doing it “for attention” One
of the most important things to remember
is to not overreact. Overreaction can result
in more hiding of the behavior as it can lead
to them feeling more misunderstood. Be
available to listen and empathize, but know
that they are need of professional assessment and possibly treatment. You are not
betraying them by seeking help. By seeking
help you are modeling healthy attitudes
and showing that you can accept problems
and deal with them constructively. Openly
express concern and indicate that you want
to help. Encourage them to talk to a trusted
adult. Get professional support and if you
observe an actual injury, transport them to
the ER or doctor if necessary. Don’t hesitate
to seek help. In addition to the references,
below is a list of other resources.
Youth Shelter Care of
North Central Iowa, Inc.
301 Avenue M
Fort Dodge, IA
“We are proud to support ABUSE
prevention for our youth”
301 Avenue M - Fort Dodge, IA
515-955-4222
&H
H
Car Care & Towing, LLC
563-359-9972
“Kids never text & drive!
We can wait for your business!”
3906 Elm St. - Bettendorf, IA
“We want to help put a
Freeze on ABUSE in Iowa!”
19 Nightengale Ln. - Dubuque, IA
1-800-397-7626
S.A.F.E Alternatives:
http://www.selfinjury.com
Self Injury Foundation:
http://www.selfinjuryfoundation.org/
index.html
1-800-DON’T CUT
--Gerda (Ray, 2008)
abusemagazine.org | Iowa Fall/Winter 2013-2014 |
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