What is self injurious behavior?

It is an act where you cause harm to your own body.

Why does one commit self injury?

The reasons include:

• A sense of relief from emotional pain
• To get away from feeling empty and numb
• As a distraction from negative feelings
• A cry for help and attention
• As a threat to fulfill a wish
• To instill guilt in another person

What are the tell-tale signs of self-injury?

Most people will try to hide it from others.

The tell-tale signs include:

• Unexplained body injuries
  • Example: cuts; bruises; cigarettes burns
• Locking oneself up for a long time
• Suspicious burns or blood stains on the clothing
• Looking depressed

How can you help?

Encourage alternative ways to deal with self-injurious urges. If one feels angry, restless and frustrated.

• Do something physical:
  • Whack a punching bag
  • Kick a ball
  • Turn up the music aloud and dance
  • Go for a jog
  • Scream your heart out or even cry when no one is around

If one feels sad, depressed or lonely

• Do something relaxing:
  • Take a good bath
  • Read your favorite book
  • Listen to your favorite soothing music
  • Take a walk in a park
  • Light up scented candles
• Share your feelings with your friends

If one feels numb, detached and disconnected

• Do activities that can create a feeling. Examples:
  • Take a cold bath
  • Squeeze an ice real hard
  • Pinch yourself
  • Bite a chili

What if no help is given?

Self injurious behavior can lead to serious complications such as:

• Physical complications:
  • Scarring
  • Bleeding
  • Fractures
  • Suicide

• Psychological complications:
  • Guilt feeling
  • Self hate
  • Depression
  • Anger

• Social complications:
  • School problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Family problems

Where can you get help?

You can seek help from your:

• Parents
• Trusted family members
• School counselors
• Religious teachers

OR

Seek professional help from:

• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists