Essay on Self Harm - 3777 Words

Introduction Deliberate self-harm is a term that covers a wide range of behaviours some of which are directly related to suicide and some are not. This is a relatively common behaviour that is little understood. This essay provides an overview of the nature and extent of those most at risk of self-harm, including causes and risk factors. Examining some of the stereotyping that surrounds self -harm, and looking at ways in which self-harm can be prevented. A useful definition of self-harm is from Professor Keith Hawton (Hawton et al., 2006. p29). An act with a non-fatal outcome in which an individual deliberately did one or more of the following; †¢ Initiated behaviour (e.g. self-cutting, jumping from a height), which they†¦show more content†¦Research clearly indicates a link between self-harm and sexual abuse in childhood and was particularly marked in women who had been subjected to severe, frequent abuse. Further studies confirmed that the more severe, more prolonged, or a longer duration of sexual abuse was associated with an increased risk of engaging in self-harm as an adult. Marginalization may also be the explanation for the high risk of self-harm in gay, bisexual, transsexual teenagers who are 2 to 3 times more likely to self-harm than heterosexual young people, this groups results in regular absenteeism at school due to homophobic harassment. 50% of those reported bullied at school had contemplated self-harm, 40% of those had self-harmed at least once. A survey in 2000 to 2002 interviewed 2,430 lesbian women, gay men and bisexual men and women in England and Wales and concluded that there is a greater link between discrimination and mental health issues. (Truth Hurts, Mental Health Foundation 2006). Asian women aged 15 to 35 are two to three times more vulnerable to self-harm than their non-Asian counterparts. Research revealed a complex range of disturbing issues, isolation, despair, many forms of family abuse, conflicts between generations, with many reporting unrealistic pressures of rigid matrimonial roles and duties in maintainingShow MoreRelatedSelf-Harm Research Paper1167 Words   |  5 PagesHSER 281 Self-harm Research Proposal Directed Studies: Methods Jaime Gresley-Jones Student# 111835 Faculty: Deb Wandler Read MorePersonal Statement On Self Harm1319 Words   |  6 PagesSelf-harm patients are at a risk for suicide whether this is an intended outcome or a result of self-harm gone wrong. 25% of people who commit suicide will have been seen in a hospital setting for a self harm injury in the past 12 months (Emerson, 2010). As well, 72% of suicide victims under the age of 25 have had a history or self-harm behavior (as sited in Cook, Clency, Sanderson, 2004). These statists provide a strong argument for the importance of vigilance and ongoing monitoring when providingRead MoreECT as an Effective Treatment for Self Harm1329 Words   |  6 PagesECT as an Effective Treatment for Self Harm in Extreme Cases of Mentally Unstable Patients who Cannot Give Informed Consent There is much controversy in regards to how far a practitioner should go to protect a patients well-being, whilst trying to adhere to their rights and consent of treatment methods (Feldman, 1990, p. 261). The most ethical solution is to only resort to extreme methods of treatments if the patient is clearly seen as not being mentally stable enough to provide the right judgementRead MoreEssay on Self-Harm Due to the Media870 Words   |  4 Pageswithout coming across some sort of media. Although few media messages may be considered positive, the truth is the media is detrimental to teens in America today. These messages destroy teens’ body image which sadly leads to self harm. Not only can the media lead to self-harm, it also leads to many teens developing unhealthy habits in order to live up to the perceived perfection that they see throughout the media. Equally important, the growing numbers of teens with insecurities can leave teens andRead MoreThe Inclination of Today†™s Youths Towards Self-Harm658 Words   |  3 PagesMany teenagers are suffering a hidden pain in the privacy of their homes. They secretly cut, burn, scratch, pull hair, and bruise their bodies. The psychosis is termed non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).Teenagers are feeling pressures from typical insecurities of low self-esteem, body image, fashion trends, bullying, pressures from friends, and family issues. As a result, teens are turning to the internet for strategies of how to deal with the pressures of life, making this topic more of a public enigmaRead MoreEssay on Self harm914 Words   |  4 Pagesignorant, self harm becomes more and more common, but at what cost? If educators and medical personnel were to be more educated on self harm and how to deal with it, teens and young adults would be more comfortable asking for help. Getttig rid of the stereotypes that self harm is only for attention allows a deeper understanding on why someone would do such a thing, so they could ge t the help that is so desperately needed. There are many names and definitions for self harm. The most common are Self HarmRead MoreThe Despairing Act of Self Harm Essay876 Words   |  4 PagesCreating scars on your skin is actually the action of self-harm; the intentional hurting of one’s self, direct to the body tissue, with or without the intention of suicide. There are several types of self-harm, such as hair pulling, banging body parts, scratching, burning, ingestion of toxin, and the most frequent one, self-cutting. Apparently, self-harm has been a serious, heart-rending issue, popular among teenagers nowadays. Causes of self-harm are categorized into three groups: social, emotionalRead MoreBullying Can Lead to Self-Harm511 Words   |  2 Pagesbullying to stealing another’s lunch money. This is making a negative effect to all that have been a victim of bullying. Studies show that victims of bullying are more likely to self harm. Self-harm is another broad subject, from cutting or burning to committing suicide. If bullying lessened so would the amount of self-harm. Bullying effects people in many different ways. There are the victims of bullying whom don’t take it lightly. There are also the bystanders whom may take a stand or not. BystandersRead MoreSelf Harm1033 Words   |  5 PagesSelf-harm is a growing and troubling trend. Its a frightening disorder, most common among women, where hurt and alienation are expressed by injuring oneself. There are several kinds of self-harm. Self-mutilation and various eating disorders are among the most common forms of self-destruction. These forms of self-harm often lead to suicide. There are three types of self-mutilation. The rarest and most extreme form is Major self-mutilation. This form usually results in permanent disfigurement, suchRead MoreWhat Are the Challenges That Face a Psychotherapist Working with Self Harm or Eating Disorders.3003 Words   |  13 Pagesworking with self harm or eating disorders. â€Å"She cuts herself. Never too deep, never enough to die. But enough to feel the pain. Enough to feel the scream inside. The lines I wear around my wrist are there to prove that I exist. A broken mirror, a bleeding fist, a silver blade against a wrist, tears falling down to lips unkissed, shes not the kind youll come to miss.† (http://xxdailydreamxx.tripod.com/id16.html) I took this poem from an internet site that encourages people who self harm to express