what do u think of self harm?

Q2A

Got a quick question ......

Ok heres a question:
id like u 2 b totally honest,
what do u think about self harm..?
ie is it ok to have arms out if have scars??
or do u have to hide them forever cos scars will always b there right ?x

This is our reply.......

We understand that self-harm can be a way of coping with distress, a way of regaining some control. Some events that can cause self-harm are being bullied; finding school/college/working difficult; rows with, or feeling rejected by friends and family; breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend; parents separating; the death of someone close; past or current emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

An episode of self-harm may bring on feelings of calmness after experiencing strong emotions; it may help to control suicidal feelings; it may help someone feel more alive if they're feeling numb inside; it may help someone feel less invisible, or stop them feeling as if they're disappearing.

Although this is helpful it's also useful to try to find other, less damaging ways of coping e.g. squeezing ice, drawing on the skin with a red marker pen, snapping a rubber band or hair band on the wrist. Have a look at:
http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/selfharm/copingtipsanddistractions

Whether to show the scars or not depends on the individual person. Some people want to keep them covered because they feel ashamed, guilty or embarrassed. Others may not mind their scars showing because it reminds them of the pain they've been through, and they're able to shrug off any questions. Others may not worry that their scars are showing because they're ready to tell people they are self-harming and get help. Others may not mind their scars showing because they no longer self-harm, and they've accepted their scars.

Whether the scars will always be there or not depends on how they were caused and how deep they are. Some may fade altogether after a year or two. Bio oil can help to improve the appearance of scarred skin. There are camouflage creams available in different skin tones, and they're usually waterproof. Clever dressing and strategically placed jewellery can divert attention away from scarring. Further in the future surgery or laser treatment may be available on the NHS, again epending on how they were caused, and as long as the self-harming has stopped completely. There's more information at:
http://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/facts/dealing_with_scars/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scars/Pages/Treatment.aspx

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in this answer is trustworthy and reliable, but the publishers do not hold themselves responsible for any inaccuracy as information can go out of date very quickly. This page gives general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative statement of the law. With regard to suggested weblinks given in this reply please note that Lancashire County Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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