#110: Self-harm is a serious subject

FROM THIS SHOW…

Have you ever tried to hurt yourself as a result of emotional distress? You might think of self-harm as someone cutting themselves on purpose with a sharp object. Or burning their skin. But anytime anyone deliberately hurts themself, this is classified as self-harm. And thankfully it’s a habit that you can shed with a little help.

Self-harm has no single cause. And it is not a symptom of mental illness. But self-injury usually accompanies prolonged mental health feelings such as worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection, self-hatred, confused sexuality, or a felt-need to be punished for your shortcomings or mistakes. 

People most at risk for self-harm are those who’ve experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse at the hands of others. This is never something to ignore! On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike leads you through a plan of action that will get you out of isolating in this act. Peace and dignity can return to you. It just takes that first conversation!

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TAKEAWAYS

• Self-harm is NOT a separate mental illness, but it can result from the emotions you suffer through when you’ve got a diagnosis, particularly if that diagnosis includes depression.

• People who self harm tend to be high critical of themselves. They also tend to be challenged by problem solving and not necessarily willing to search out answers for this habit.

• The person who self-injures is not trying to attempt suicide, as is commonly thought. Rather, they are trying to comfort themselves through physical pain because life feels so numb.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions

1) When was the first time you experimented with self-harm? / What was going on then?

2) How often do you practice this behavior now?

3) How do you keep it a secret from your friends and family and work?

4) Who would you be willing to talk to about this? / Is this something you want to remove from your life?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Group on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!