Self Injury & Cutting: Where is the REAL Pain?

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What we will explore on this Reality Avenue show:

What is Self Injury?

Self-injury can be highly misunderstood. It is a way of dealing with very difficult feelings that build up inside. We all deal with our feelings in different ways, but some people begin coping in ways that include the intent to physically harm themselves without the intent of killing themselves.

Self-injury or self-mutilation affects roughly 1% of the general population, which includes adolescents and adults, but this is believed to be greatly underestimated due to its secretive nature. In fact, the reporting rate has doubled in the last 3 years. Unfortunately, it can begin in childhood, but can remain a lifelong habit. For this reason, we are using as a vehicle to prevent and begin intervention for those people who may be struggling with this life challenge.

Why do people Self Injure?

That is a hard question to answer, but it is so common! Self Injury can even be baffling to those that do it. Bottom line, self-injury can affect anyone who is not dealing effectively with his/her emotions and the pain in his/her life. It is a lot more common than people think. Many people hurt themselves secretly for a long time before finding the courage to tell someone.

What can we do about it?

When self-injury becomes a way of coping with stress, it is a sign that there are problems that need sorting out! If in everyday life you feel pain, numb or out of control, self injury may appear to offer a temporary reprieve. Unfortunately, self-injury builds upon itself and soon the person begins doubling their negative feelings – adding guilt, fear, shame, self-hate, depression, isolation and embarrassment.

Join us on Reality Avenue, “Self-Injury – Where is the REAL pain?” to learn more about how to help yourself, your child, or someone you care about.

Available as well are Resources and Helplines related to this show topic.

Available for use are post-program Discussion Prompters and Classroom Exercises and Lessons related to this show topic.