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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
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