We have often seen and heard people cutting themselves or harming themselves in some or the other form. Let’s see why people indulge in self-harm behaviour and what are certain ways to prevent it. 

Self-harm refers to intentionally hurting oneself as away to cope with emotional pain or distress. It can take many different forms,such as cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, or pulling hair to name a few. 

Self-harm is often a sign of underlying emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem. It can provide a temporary sense of relief or control, but in the long-term, it can lead to physical and emotional harm.

When you feel like self-harming, there are several things you can do to prevent it. Here are some examples:·       

  1. Reach out for support:Call a friend or a loved one and talk about how you are feeling. Sometimes just talking about your emotions can help reduce the urge to self-harm.·       
  2. Use a coping strategy:Use a coping strategy that you find helpful, such as deep breathing, taking a warm bath, going for a walk, or listening to music.·       
  3. Remove yourself from the situation:If you can, physically remove yourself from the situation that is causing you distress. Go for a walk or find a quiet place where you can be alone for a few minutes.·
  4.  Focus on the present moment:Use mindfulness techniques to focus on the present moment and observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment.·       
  5. Write down your feelings:Write down how you are feeling in a journal or on a piece of paper. This can help you process your emotions and reduce the urge to self-harm.·     
  6. Engage in a pleasurable activity:Engage in an activity that you find pleasurable or enjoyable, such as reading,watching a movie, or playing a game.·       
  7. Use a grounding technique:Grounding techniques, such as counting to 10 or using your senses to focus on your surroundings, can help you stay present and reduce the urge to self-harm.

There are several self-harm prevention techniques that can help individuals manage their emotions and cope with distress in a healthy way. Here are some examples:

  1. Seek professional help:If you are struggling with self-harm, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist can provide you with the necessary support,coping skills, and tools to help you overcome your self-harming behavior.
  2. Identify triggers:Try to identify what triggers your urge to self-harm. Keeping a journal can help you identify patterns in your behavior and thoughts.
  3. Distract yourself:Find healthy and enjoyable activities that can distract you from self-harming,such as exercise, reading, or spending time with friends.
  4. Use mindfulness techniques:Mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment and manage distressing emotions. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can be helpful.
  5. Create a safety plan:Identify the people you can reach out to when you are feeling distressed, and create a safety plan for when you are feeling overwhelmed.
  6. Use alternative coping strategies:Instead of self-harm, try using alternative coping strategies such as writing in a journal, drawing, or listening to music.
  7. Practice self-care: take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eatingwell and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

Remember that overcoming self harm can be a difficult process, but with the right support and tools, it is possible.

It can be challenging to know if someone is going through self-harm because they may try to hide their behavior or avoid talking about it. However, there are some signs that you can look out for:

  1. Unexplained injuries:Self-harm often involves injuries such as cuts, bruises, or burns that may be unexplained.·       
  2. Covering up:The person may wear clothing that covers their arms or legs, even in warm weather, to hide any self-harm injuries
  3. Isolation: They may withdraw from social situations and avoid spending time with friends or family.·  
  4. Emotional changes:They may show signs of depression, anxiety, or other emotional changes.·   
  5. Unusual behavior with sharp objects:The person may have an unusual interest in sharp objects, such as collecting knives or razor blades.·       
  6. Changes in eating or sleeping habits:The person may experience changes in their eating or sleeping habits.·      
  7. Low self-esteem: The person may have low self-esteem or negative thoughts about themselves.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be going through self-harm, it's important to approach them with care and compassion. Express your concern and offer support, and encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health professional. Remember, self-harm is a serious issue and requires proper treatment and support. Therapy,medication, and support groups can all be helpful in treating the underlying issues and learning healthier coping mechanisms.