Yesterday we celebrated Anti-Bullying Day but today we bring to your attention Self-Injury Awareness Day. This is important to recognize because many kids are subjecting themselves to self-harm in an attempt to deal with overwhelming feelings of pain and distress.
Self- harm is not only something that affects physical health but it also deeply affects emotional well-being. Although the forms of self-harm vary- cutting, burning, banging head, hitting, swallowing poison- it is important to pay attnetion to any signs that indicate that our kids are inflicting injuries upon themselves:
- Unexplained scars or wounds
- Blood stains on clothing or bed sheets
- Sharp objects in their belongings – razors, knives, blades, glass
- Need to be covered up even in hot weather
- refusal to let a wound heal
- Need to be alone for long periods of time in the washroom or bedroom
- Irrationality and Isolation
If you see any of these signs, please talk to your kids and seek professional help. Self-inujry is a way to express feelings in an unhealthily manner but there is hope.