There's no such thing as a particular person who'd self harm. It can place an affect on anyone of any age, background, or race. This epidemic has no boundary of which it cross or no limits to who it reaches. However, girls and young women are more at risk(although boys are self harming more so frequently than ever before. People who are dependent on drugs and alcohol are at a much higher risk as well. Also, the LGBT COMMUNITY because this group is faced with more adversity, some sprouting from religious beliefs and morals, others vary from each individual personal beliefs. Regardless of who the person is self harming, this is something that needs to be taken seriously, it has literally become a "silent epidemic."
Self harm can be triggered from a number of things, a few could be from low self-esteem, poor body image, racial difficulties, feelings of rejections from loved ones, stress, bullying, etc. Not knowing how to deal with pressure and stress is often replaced with cutting, burning, biting, or other self injurious behaviors. Self harm is a way of releasing that tension and acts as a safety valve. It is a way of communicating without communicating and acknowledging the need for help. It sometimes is used as a punishment for oneself from feelings of shame or guilt. While some people only use self harm as a coping mechanism, others intent are to possibly end their life.
For me, self harm was an attempt to feel something other than emotions. Once I began to feel empty, self harm became more frequent just to fight that feeling. I'd be lying if I said everyday was great and that I haven't attempted or even thought of self harm. Self harm is something that most people don't understand and think that it's something that is abolished overnight. Self harm certainly is an addiction, any addiction is hard to break. If I relapse a million times in my life, I make up in my mind to take 2 steps forward each time. It is something truly hard to deal with without feeling judged. All people want, if anything, is to feel important and that they matter regardless of their addiction. If I knew that self harm of any kind was addictive, I would've found another way, another outlet.. that's for sure.
Everyday I strive to progress on my journey to eventually quitting with the thoughts or actions. Then again, my scars will always remind me of where I've come from and how it happened, so I don't think I'll ever completely get that thought out of my memory. I do believe that life gets better and that anything in life is certain if you believe, possibilities are endless! Every single day, regardless of how I feel, I aspire to inspire, save, and change lives. I can say, I've been more happier than I was almost a year ago. I'll continue to move forward in faith for you as you move forward for me. We can do this. I promise. Xo, Kenidra 😘❤️
