Improving Your Mental Well-Being.

PART 4 - SELF HARM

Before we get into this chapter I want you to gather a sheet of paper, a pencil and a few markers if you have any . I want you to draw a positive representation of your self on the paper, it should not be a drawing of your "physical you" but rather a symbol which captures your essence/energy.
After you're done, analyze the symbol then write up a description. Read the description every time you're feeling down.

What is Self Harm?
Self Harm is the deliberate harming of one's self.
Self-harm is a coping mechanism for people who are experiencing severe distress and emotional agony/pain. It may assist you in expressing sentiments and feelings that you find difficult to put into words, self harm often pulls your attention away from your hardships in life, and it releases emotional suffering. You will probably feel better afterwards but that "better feeling" never lasts . Self harm never helps you in the long run. The relief you get from self harming creates far more problems than it solves.
There are numerous factors which may cause an individual to purposely hurt themselves, namely;
1) Individual factors such as depression, feeling of numbness, anxiety, bullying and low self esteem

2)Family factors such as daddy issues, mommy issues, abandonment emotional/physical abuse, family stress, and family fear.

3) Social factors such as rejection, peer pressure and internet influences.

Self harm is NOT a good coping strategy because often times it places you in a frenzy. When those painful feelings resurface, you will always feel compelled to injure yourself again then again, then again and again.
If you are self-harming I recommend that you try to talking to someone you trust, like a close friend or close family member. There are other ways to cope with what's going on inside without having to hurt yourself.

Self-harming does not imply that you are insane, crazy, that you are seeking attention, or that you want to die; in fact, self-harming shows that you do not want to attempt suicide.

Here are some substitutes to consider for the rush of cutting yourself.
1) Rub ice on the area.
2) Snap a rubber band on the area instead of cutting.
3) Punch at a pillow

Here are some tips to consider :
1) Confide in a close friend of family member, tell them your secret of self harming and open up to them at your own pace at about the your struggles, venting to someone often helps as it releases stress.

2)Identify your triggers.
What emotions cause you to self-harm? Is it possible that it's sadness? Do you struggle with anxiety? Are you angry? Is it possible that it's a sense of loneliness? Is it a source of embarrassment? Is it low self esteem? Is it a feeling of emptiness?

3) Find new coping techniques such as:
1) Expressing your self through poetry.
2) Drawing
3) Write down your negative feelings on a piece of paper then tear it up or burn it
4)Write down your negative feelings on a clay plate, place the plate in a ziplock bag then smash it to pieces.
5) Listen to music that expresses your emotions.
6)Repeat positive affirmations, here's an example "I am deserving of all good things, I deserve love not pain." Say  these affirmations everyday and allow the words to sink into your subconscious.

Self harm is never worth it. To anyone who has struggled with self-harm or is still battling with it: recovery is difficult, and tough but it is possible; you are strong, you are deserving of good things, you are worth it and you are not alone.

-You will win your battle, I believe in you.-