Cutting

[dreamer_easy]

I've got a book here called "Cutting the Pain Away: Understanding Self-Mutilation". I want to summarise some of the information it gives.

Self-harm is not a suicide attempt.

It is common; the book estimates that two million people in the US harm themselves.

Reasons for self-harm include relieving anxiety; "jolting" oneself out of emotional numbness; getting a kind of control over one's life.

The trauma of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and rape are linked to self-harm. Growing up in an "invalidating enviroment", in which the child is dismissed, belittled, or even punished for expressing their feelings, is also a factor.

The book suggests ways of getting more control over the urge to self-harm. Here are some of them:

- delaying, perhaps with the help of a distraction
- being with others or in public
- "Some people find that the impulse to injure themselves passes if a loved one holds them tightly when they are feeling overwhelmed by their feelings or out of touch with their bodies."
- saying "No!" or "Stop!" out loud
- remove items such as razors from the home
- strong tastes and smells (eg bite an unpeeled lemon)
- squeeze ice cubes in the hand, or stick fingers into ice cream
- harm objects instead of yourself, such as cutting a piece of heavy cardboard, ripping up an old phone book
- snapping a rubber band against your wrist (this is my own method)
- draw on yourself with a red pen or red paint

The book suggests ways of telling someone that you are self-injuring, such as writing it down rather than telling themn face-to-face; having a third person, such as a friend or therapist, present; reassuring them that you're telling them because you trust and love them.

It also suggests ways of helping someone who is self-injuring, such as letting them know you're willing to talk about it if and when they want; staying with them if you think they're in danger; not judging, demanding, or making ultimatums; and encouraging them to see a therapist.

I also found some relevant links:

A closer look at self-harm (summarises the research)

Deliberate self-harm from Reach Out!, an Australian site for young people

A self-harm fact sheet from Teen Health, another Australian site.

Comments

[kateorman.livejournal.com]

Well said.