March is for Self-Injury Awareness Month

While millions appear to be normal on the outside, many are actually undergoing painful struggles within. March is Self-Injury Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding the problems that several people face, while also being there to provide comfort and hope. It is a time to break the stigma associated with open discussions regarding mental health issues that lead to major problems like self-injury. To put the issue of self-injury into perspective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), there were over 600,000 emergency visits for self-harm injuries as recently as 2022.

Causes of Self-Injury

First, let’s talk about why self-harm occurs and is so prevalent in the modern day.

● Difficulty Managing Emotions: Having a hard time processing a wide range of emotions, from grief to anger, may lead to self-harm (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

● Poor Coping Techniques: Without the knowledge of healthy ways to cope with difficulties, self-injury can act as an easy way to release built-up tension (Mental Health America, 2023).

● Lack of Support: When someone feels like they have no one to lean on—including friends and family—they may feel as if no one understands them, leading to pent-up emotional distress (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).

These causes show that self-injury is often not about wanting pain, but about trying to cope with emotional struggles in unhealthy ways (American Psychological Association, 2021).

Possible Signs of Self-Injury

Here are ways to tell if someone may be harming themselves.

● Scars or Physical Marks: These may appear as cuts, scratches, or bruises on areas such as arms or legs. It is also common to see individuals cover themselves with long-sleeved shirts, jackets, hoodies, or pants to hide their marks (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

● Sudden Impulsive Behavior or Emotional Distancing: People who are struggling often withdraw from others. Conversations with family and friends may become less frequent, and they may be less involved in daily activities. Additionally, sudden impulsive behaviors or emotional outbursts may indicate that a person is undergoing severe distress (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

● Fidgety Behavior: Fidgety or restless behavior can also serve as a possible sign. Someone dealing with emotional stress may appear nervous or unable to sit still. While fidgeting alone does not necessarily indicate self-injury, it can be associated with anxiety and stress, which may connect to self-harm (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

Overall, these indicators do not guarantee that someone is injuring themselves, and it is important not to make assumptions. However, since these signs can appear in individuals experiencing severe emotional stress, it is essential that we pay attention and offer support when needed.

How You Can Help

● Check in Regularly: Simply being there for someone can make a huge difference. People going through pain sometimes just need someone to listen. This allows them to release pent-up emotions and feel understood, which can reduce the likelihood of self-harm (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).

● Small Acts of Support: Whether it be giving a gift, inviting them to an activity, or going out together, small acts of kindness can make a difference. Helping someone who is struggling with self-injury does not require perfect words—sometimes simply being there is the most powerful support you can offer (Mental Health America, 2023).

By spreading awareness about this serious issue, we can help create a world where fewer people suffer in silence.

Resources Available to You

Here in Tampa Bay, we have numerous mental health organizations and providers ready and willing to help you with your mental health. Check out our mental health resources or schedule a virtual meeting with our resource navigators. Our Teen Connect navigators work hard to be able to provide you with community resources near you that can link you with mental health services through your insurance or at no to low cost! If you are interested in receiving mental health support, use our searchable directory at www.TeenConnectTampaBay.org to find resources near you. For more personalized and hands-on support, you can complete our short online referral form to connect with our Teen Connect navigators. Our resource navigators will compile a list of organizations and resources available to youth that meet your needs! For additional youth health and wellness services, check out the Ybor Youth Clinic.

- Aziz, Teen Connect Youth Advisory Board Member 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Emergency department visits for self-harm injuries — United States, 2022.   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). Self-harm.   https://www.nami.org

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Self-injury/cutting: Symptoms and causes.   https://www.mayoclinic.org

Mental Health America. (2023). Self-injury (self-harm or cutting).   https://www.mhanational.org

American Psychological Association. (2021). Understanding self-injury.   https://www.apa.org

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Self-harm statistics and warning signs.   https://www.nimh.nih.gov