Tip of the Week – Self Harm

Tip of the Week: Self Harm

When you hear the term “self-harm,” what comes to mind? Typically, the main type of self-harm we think of is cutting one’s self. But, the term holds much more dangerous behaviors as well. In addition to cutting, one who self-harms may also partake in other risky acts such as:
• Burning themselves
• Pulling their hair and sometimes even ingesting their hair
• Banging or hitting themselves with objects to the point where they become bruised or bleeding
• Carving symbols or words into their skin
• Rubbing their skin excessively, pinching, ripping or tearing at skin sometimes with foreign objects to create a burn mark
• Not allowing their wounds to heal
An average of 20% of female and 14% of male college students report that they have self-harmed in one type of form. The first step in getting treatment for yourself or a friend or family member is to start talking. Help is out there and YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Talking about it is the first step to end the negative mental health stigma. “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close

NOVA is here to help! If you or a loved one are dealing with self-harm and need help please visit https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html and click on Mental Health
Or
Dial 211 on your phone 24/7 to be connected to a highly trained specialist to help you access the best local resources and services available to you.
Or
Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support from a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7.