March is Self-Harm Awareness Month. There are countless ways that people deal with pain, trauma, mental illness, and the challenges of life. One way that people, especially adolescents and young adults, try to regain control and find release is through physical self-harm. However, this habit can become cyclical and difficult to manage. But there IS hope, treatment for self-harm is available. This is the main message during Self-Harm Awareness Month.
“The most common form of self-harm is cutting,” said Sinnissippi Centers President and CEO Stacie Kemp. “Self-Harm can also include many other methods such as head-banging/hitting your head, burning, scratching, or pulling hair. It also includes doing things that cause internal damage, such as ingesting poisonous or toxic substances, or consuming too much alcohol or drugs.” It’s important to know that this isn’t usually an attempt at suicide but rather a way to deal with emotional distress and release painful emotions.
