Self-injury Awareness Day

March 1^st is Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) and is dedicated to raising awareness and learning about self-harm behaviors like “cutting” and other intentional harmful methods. On this day, orange ribbons are worn to express support for those in need and represents that you are a safe person to speak with.

Self-injury is more common than many of us realize. There are many inside struggles that may lead to self-inflicted behaviors. Raising awareness is essential as it leads to a greater understanding, responsiveness, banishing shame and fear, and plummeting the number of people who feel secluded and ache in silence. Educating individuals who do not know about self-harm can help to open doors and reach out to those who do.

Research illustrates higher rates of self-harm among diverse groups including adolescent girls, young individuals attracted to the same sex, and middle-aged men experiencing financial issues. Numerous underlying reasons may be related to the distress behind self-harm, such as employment, family issues, struggles with body image or sexual identity, trauma, adverse life circumstances and so on. What is primarily found in most cases, self-injury is an attempt to cope with a very painful emotional state.

Types of Self-harm may include:

• Cutting or burning their skin
• Punching or hitting oneself
• Poisoning self with toxic chemicals or tablets
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Starving oneself (anorexia) or binge eating (bulimia)
• Excessive exercising
• Saying that they feel hopeless or worthless
• Behavioral and emotional instability or impulsiveness

How to Support Someone in Need:

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it can be shocking to notice a person’s self-harm scars. The initial instinct may be to stare or express shock instantly, however, it is important to be mindful how sensitive the topic of self-harm is and should be approached in a certain way. NAMI discusses some dos and don’ts when noticing someone’s scars and strategies to approach them to have a supportive and non-judgmental conversation.

 How to Respond to Self-Harm | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Check on a friend who may be struggling to offer support and wear an orange ribbon to show you are safe to speak with. Contact a professional to seek help to gain control without self-harm. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Office of Mental Health & Addiction at (856) 374-6320.