It couldn't hurt to define "self harm" within the introduction of your article. =) Some people think "self harm" only refers to cutting, burning, bruising, etc. However, it can also refer to things like picking (not as well known) and abusing drugs/alcohol (if it is done with the intent to hurt oneself).
I'd like to elaborate on the facts you've provided by including statistics and information from reliable/reputable organizations, whenever possible. I'm happy to do that this week while you continue to work on the introduction and conclusion.
For the conclusion, you can always list resources that pertain to self harm (I suggest using the resources already listed on TeenHelp, for consistency's sake).
Does anyone else have ideas for this article? I love the concept (similar to what Traci did for one of her articles), and it can definitely make for a great article once we lengthen it and add more details. =D
EDIT: I'll hold off on further edits for the time being (want to give the author and other team members a chance to contribute). I wanted to show everyone what I have in mind, with regard to adding statistics and information from reliable/reputable organizations to the article.
Debunking myths of self harm
By Jenny (coolkid98)
There are many myths about self harm and why people self harm; many of these myths are false and lead to stereotypical views of self harm.
Myth: People self harm
in order to gain attention
.
Fact: Many people who self
-harm do
it so in secret
, and cover up their injuries. People
who self harm
are often
are fearful
of what will happen if anyone finds out about their self harm.
Self harmers don’t try to draw attention to themselves. According to the Mental Health Foundation, many self harmers are self-conscious of their injuries and experience a great deal of guilt as a result of hurting themselves. This also pushes self harmers to hide their injuries, rather than "showing them off" out of a desire to gain attention from loved ones.
Myth: Self harm is a suicide attempt
.
Fact: Self harmers don’t
always want to die
. and fFor many self harmers, self harm is a coping mechanism used to get through everyday life. It is used to help people cope with feelings that may not be expressed otherwise.
Myth: Self harm is cutting. [You could either leave this here, or include it within your introduction in order to define what "self harm" is.]
Fact: Self harm is any way of hurting oneself, such as scratching, pulling out hair and burning. It is a way of releasing feelings, either physical feelings or emotional. It also can be a way of controlling something if everything seems to be out of control.
Myth: People who self harm can stop if they want
ed to
.
Fact: Self harm can become addictive and therefore can be really hard to stop. Just telling someone won’t help them stop, self harmers need support to help them stop, and help to learn other coping strategies to get through self harm urges.
Myth: People who self harm like pain
.
Fact: Self harm is about emotional pain, and is a way of releasing feelings through physical pain. For many self harmers, self harm is seen as the only way of coping with the situation. It isn't enjoyable and instead is a way to release feelings
.
Myth: The wound isn't that bad
; therefore the problem isn't bad
.
Fact: Self harmers often feel overwhelming feelings and think that the only way to get rid of the feelings is to self harm. This emotional distress should be taken seriously, no matter how bad the injuries are.
Myth: A person is mentally ill if they self harm
.
Fact: Self harm is a coping mechanism used to help with feelings, such as times of stress or traumatic events. Self harm alone doesn't mean a person is mentally ill, it means that a person is struggling to cope with their emotions therefore they need support and people to understand.
People self harm for a variety of reasons and there are many ways of self harming. Self harmers need to support and someone who is understanding and who isn't judging or stereotyping them.