Self-Harm | The Danger When Pain Becomes Release.

Self-harm is the act of hurting oneself as a way to cope with strong emotions such as sadness, anger, or depression. This action is often done impulsively and can take the form of cuts, burns, or other physical manifestations. Although it may sound shocking, self-harm is a serious mental health issue and deserves serious attention.

1. The causes of self-harm are very complex and vary from individual to individual. Some factors that can trigger self-harm include:

• Trauma: Traumatic experiences such as abuse, violence, or the loss of a loved one can trigger self-harm as a coping mechanism.
• Mental Disorders: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders are often associated with self-harm.
• Difficulty Managing Emotions: People who struggle to identify, understand, and manage negative emotions are more likely to engage in self-harm.
• Feelings of Isolation: Lack of social support and feelings of being misunderstood can drive someone to self-harm.
• Difficulty in Uniting Oneself: Self-harm can be a way to feel more real or connected to one's own body.

2. Types of self-harm can be done in various forms, including:

• Cutting: Making cuts on the skin with a sharp object.
• Burning: Injuring oneself with fire or hot objects.
• Hitting: hitting oneself or hard objects.
• Pulling out hair
• Banging head: Hitting the head against the wall.

3. The impact of self-harm should not be underestimated, as it has serious consequences both physically and psychologically. Things that might happen include:

• Physical wounds: infection, scarring, and risk of bleeding.
• Mental health issues: more severe depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide.
• Disrupted social relationships: difficult to build and maintain relationships with others
• Substance abuse: the use of alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with emotional pain.

4. Getting Help: If you or someone you know is experiencing self-harm, it is important to seek help immediately. Some things you can do:

Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings with friends, family, or a counselor can be very helpful.

• Seek professional help: Therapists or psychologists can provide appropriate support and therapy.
• Join a support group: Interacting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and support.
• Train stress management skills: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage difficult emotions.

It is important to remember that self-harm is not a sign of weakness but a way to cope with deep emotional pain; recovery is possible. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, do not hesitate to consult with your favorite psychiatrist at Hermina Karawang Hospital.

Reference:

Lokadata, R. (2021). Survei kesehatan mental: Mayoritas kesepian dan ingin sakiti diri sendiri.
Lokadata. https://lokadata.id/artikel/survei-kesehatan-mental-mayoritas-kesepian-dan-ingin-sakiti-diri-sendiri