Topics
SELF-HARM
What is it: the act of causing bodily harm to one’s own body, by cutting, burning, stabbing, picking, and otherwise mutilating the body.
Facts:
- Not talked about in Asian culture, because of the taboos associated with mental health issues, and also perhaps because it is not so prevalent in Asia.
- Not a cry for help, mostly done in private and carefully covered up.
- It is important to know about self-harm, why youths self harm and how to spot it.
Why self-harm?
- As a coping mechanism mainly
- Release of stress
- Outlet for venting
- Brings temporary relief and control
- Often prevents other things — such as suicide or substance abuse
- Occasionally a precursor to suicide
- Often a sign of depression/emotional suicide
Kinds of self harm:
- Cutting (using knife or razor or other sharp implement)
- Carving
- Scratching
- Branding
- Picking skin or hair
- Excessive tattooing
- Excessive body piercing
- Hitting
How to spot it:
- Cuts, marks and bruises on the wrists or arms (common areas for self-harm)
- Wearing long skirts, trousers (to cover marks)
- Wearing long sleeved tops even in hot weather (to cover marks)
- Carrying around a sharp implement — penknife, for example
What to do:
Where to get help:
Resources:
References:
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