What Does Self-Harm Mean?
Self-harm is when someone does something to purposely cause pain, injure, or hurt themselves. People tend to do this in place of dealing with an overwhelming situation, depression, difficult feelings, and / or painful memories. Self-harm is a behavior that can be stopped when taught about proper coping skills and talking through triggers.
According to research, 17% of teens have self-harmed at least once in their life. With the average age beginning at 13. Although self-harm is a behavior it is connected to other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc. That makes treatment available when self-harm is connected to a mental health issue.
Some immediate options to consider other than self-harm are:
- Yoga
- Getting the proper amount of sleep
- Eating healthy
- Participating in activities that make you happy
- Limiting your screen time
- Reach out to a trusted adult (teacher, coach, guidance counselor, parent, aunt, family member)
- Reach out to a medical professional (doctor or a therapist)
- Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to reach out to someone, it is brave to know when to ask for help!
- If you or someone you know is currently self-harming, please seek guidance and help from a trusted adult. Below are some additional resources!
Resources for mental health:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness - Text “NAMI” to 62640
- National Crisis Helpline - Call 988
- If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist. If urgent care is more comfortable for you, please visit this site for a list of Atlantic Health urgent cares.
