Many people, both youth and adults, struggle with mental and emotional health. Alaskan long winter days and extended darkness can cause symptoms of depression or anxiety. In some instances, people self-harm attempting to cope with their overwhelming emotions. Education and awareness for self-injury increases during March to support Self-Injury Awareness month.
Self-Injury
Many wrongly perceive self-injury as manipulative or attention seeking behavior. However, studies show that self-harm is a coping mechanism to release overwhelming negative emotions. Self-harm tends to be a solitary behavior. Those that suffer are not commonly suicidal and often attempt to hide injuries from others.
Regardless of age, race, or gender, any person may experience severe emotional distress. Statistically however, young people with symptoms of low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety are primarily those suffering. People who have suffered abuse, bullying, neglect, or mental illness are also at increased risk.
Many people suffering often struggle to maintain relationships, have difficulty managing their emotions, or have impulsive behavior. If someone you know commonly expresses feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless, reach out and offer support. While self-harm is not always a sign of suicidal thoughts, the danger of suicide does exist. When emotional stress becomes too great or self-injury goes too far, the risk of suicide increases.
How To Help Yourself
If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, reach out for support and guidance. Help is available through many resources, including:
- The Crisis Text Line: text CONNECT to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 1-800-273-8255
How To Help Others
If you have concerns that someone you know may be struggling emotionally, look for signs of self-harm. Someone struggling with self-injuries may have frequent or unexplained scars, cuts, burns, or scratches. Other indicators are excessively rubbing an area to create a burn or carrying sharp objects not for protection. People wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather, may be attempting to cover signs.
Be supportive by listening, providing resources to get help, or alerting family or a trusted adult. Awareness is important to eliminate the negative stigma and provide support to those needing help.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “Understanding Self-Injury/Self-Harm“, by teenhealth.org
