Self-Injury and The Warning Signs

Self-injury is an unhealthy coping technique where a person causes bodily harm to themselves. It’s often done to feel something when someone already feels numb, or it is used to deal with painful internal emotions, where a person may not know or understand other ways to cope and work through them. Self-injury is very serious. Knowing the signs of self-injury can help you aid a struggler in finding help to learn healthy coping techniques.

I started self-injuring at a young age by pulling my hair to relieve my inner pain. When I started college, I tried different ways to relieve the pain I was experiencing, such as burning myself, punching a wall, and cutting. I settled for cutting. It was the only way I knew how to cope with the overpowering emotions of depression. I hid my self-injuries from my family and friends.

There are signs you need to know that will help you identify self-injury taking place with a friend or loved one. The signs include:

• Wearing long-sleeve shirts or pants even when it’s warm out.

• Fresh scratches, cuts, bruises, bite marks, or other wounds.

• Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn.

• Keeping sharp objects or other objects used for self-harm on hand. I kept sharp objects in my bedroom where I injured myself.

• Scars are often shown for unexplained reasons.

• Spending long periods of time alone.

• Frequent reports of accidental injury.

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness.

• Difficulties in relationships with others.

• Behaviors and emotions that change quickly and are impulsive, intense, and unexpected.

If you think someone you love is harming themselves, talk to them and urge the person to get help. Tell an adult, like a teacher or parent. There is help for self-injury, and the struggler can learn healthy coping techniques to deal with their pain. I got help, and now when my emotions become powerful, I turn to healthy coping techniques like journaling, confiding in my support team, and relaxation techniques. With new coping techniques. I stand in the light of recovery as a stronger and healthier person.