Understanding Why People Self-Harm
Many people have difficulty coping with personal pain and resort to self-harm.
For those who struggle with painful, emotional issues, this is a way to release their internal suffering or to express feelings that are not easy to explain to others.
Many who self-harm do so to cope with issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, family issues or previous trauma, such as abuse or losing a loved one.
People who self-harm are not trying to kill themselves; they are trying to cope with emotional pain.
The relief that comes from self-harming is temporary, like putting a Band-Aid on a wound when you really need stitches. It may stop the bleeding for a few minutes but it doesn't fix the underlying injury.
Fact:
Nearly 50% of those who engage in self-harm have been sexually abused.