Self Harm

Since several of our stories have included self harm, or self injury, it's something I think I should cover as well. It's become almost a fad to self harm, especially cutting. I'm not really sure what to think about it.

You see, self harm is something that a lot of people do as a coping mechanism. It helps take away from the internal pain that builds up inside. It is a temporary relief, something similar to drugs and alcoholism and even an eating disorder. 

A lot of people think that self injury is an attention seeking behavior. For some people, it might be. Plain and simple. But if they want attention and they're willing to hurt themselves for it, then they obviously need the attention. And a lot of the times, it is a completely personal en devour. It is a way to try and block out the pain.

It makes me so mad when people make fun of people for self harm. Please, think before you speak. You never know what someone is suffering from.

                                               

                                                              How to treat someone who self harms:

DO NOT treat them like they are something disgusting. They need help and love.
DO NOT minimalize it. No matter what the self harm is, they deserve that help.
DO treat them with respect.
DO try to help them by making sure they don't have easy access to self harm tools.

How to help yourself if you self harm:
DO NOT minimalize it. It IS a big deal
DO NOT think worse of yourself because you've done it. You are not a bad person. You just need help. Please get it. 
DO try to keep your tools out of reach
DO reach out for help!!