Central Illinois Associates LLC 1000 S. Sherman Street Clinton, IL 217-935-5600
Photo source: www. redorbit. com Photo source: helpingmenblog. blogspot. com
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.”
--Gerda( Ray, 2008)
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.
S. A. F. E Alternatives http:// www. selfinjury. com
Self Injury Foundation http:// www. selfinjuryfoundation. org / index. html
1-800-DON’ T CUT
Photo Source: abcnews. go. com
ABUSE Magazine
It’ s never too late to get
HELP!
“ We are proud to help keep our youth in safe & reliable vehicles while they travel down the ABUSE FREE ROAD. We care & we get involved.”
AAK Mechanical, Inc.
10962 Riddler Dr. • Clinton, IL 217-935-8501
We are proud to keep our youth ABUSE FREE! We care and we get involved.
Central Illinois Associates LLC 1000 S. Sherman Street Clinton, IL 217-935-5600
511 E. Van Buren • Clinton, IL 217-935-4440
“ We at Subway are proud to be an ABUSE FREE workplace & help our youth live the ABUSE FREE lifestyle!”
abusemagazine. org | Illinois Spring / Summer 2013 | 31