TeenHelp - Is this self-harm?

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Is this self-harm?

So I was in uni and we were talking about self-harm. I've always assumed self-harm were things like cutting, and done deliberately.

But I've been thinking about my own history.

I remember, when I was in school, and a boy asked me out (I was about 13/14 at the time) and I didn't feel comfortable declining, and I also didn't tell my parents (they were against me dating at that age)- so I ended up with a secret boyfriend (who also happened to live next door to me) that I didn't want to be with. This stressed me out a lot to the point where I was scratching behind my knees. I wasn't doing it deliberately, it was more like I felt an itch/urge to scratch behind my knee, so I did and then I could be doing it for a while and not realise and end up bleeding. But in that moment, it felt like it was easing the stress/anxiety? I also remember that I've often scratched in the past when I felt stressed or anxious and didn't feel able to talk about whatever was bothering me.

I'm glad to report that I don't do this anymore, or at least I haven't in a while, but it just got me thinking as I never considered it self-harm but then I can see it's a negative way of dealing with emotions?

Re: Is this self-harm?

I'm not sure how to classify this to be honest. I think it can be viewed as a form of self harm but it's more inadvertent.

I have a habit of picking skin. I do it to the point that I bleed and 8 do it when I'm stressed or anxious. I don't do it deliberately. I don't intend to make myself bleed but I do and it can be seen as self harm. I feel like there is probably a better term for inadvertent self harm but I've only recently realized I have this habit so I haven't been able to ask my therapists about it.

I'm glad you no longer do this and I apologize that I don't have a more concrete answer.

Re: Is this self-harm?

If you did it deliberately then I think it probably is considered self-harm. I know everyone is different but I have urges to self-harm that are physical - you mentioned the urge to itch and it reminded me of that.

There are a lot of ways to self-harm, even the 'non-traditional' ways that people don't think about. I've done some things like that and still do sometimes.

It is good you no longer do this and perhaps thinking about your own history has been a good thing as well.

Re: Is this self-harm?

I think it has more to do with intent, if you are meaning to hurt yourself by scratching then it is self-harm. If you are scratching due to anxiety or stress, then it's not self-harm. I am glad to hear you no longer do this, and I hope you are able to reach out if the coursework is beginning to trigger you.

:hug:

Re: Is this self-harm?

I have a habit of picking skin. I do it to the point that I bleed and 8 do it when I'm stressed or anxious. I don't do it deliberately. I don't intend to make myself bleed but I do and it can be seen as self harm. I feel like there is probably a better term for inadvertent self harm but I've only recently realized I have this habit so I haven't been able to ask my therapists about it.

Re: Is this self-harm?

stress and anxiety harm is not the same as self-harm, If you are trying to harm yourself when you are calm, well this is a self-harm

Re: Is this self-harm?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loo1ksee (Post 1347071)

stress and anxiety harm is not the same as self-harm, If you are trying to harm yourself when you are calm, well this is a self-harm

Where did you come up with this conclusion? It's the complete opposite, please do your research. The very vast majority of people who engage in self harm are not calm; on the contrary, they're feeling anxious, stressed out, or are triggered by something such as recalling a traumatic experience.