Self-Injury Awareness Day happens each year on 1st March. The day focuses on increasing education and support on a misunderstood problem which is self-harm.
According to Mayo Clinic, non-suicidal self-injury is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt but sometimes ends up fatal.
When someone causes deliberate self-injury, the action is an indication of emotional pain, sadness, anger, anxiety and stress.
Research shows those who self-harm are mostly university students. This day aims to help friends and family recognize the signs and help those in emotional distress find help.
Self-injury occurs in many forms, including cutting, burning, scratching, punching, and ingestion of chemicals. People who self-injure often try to hide their injuries.
Their clothing may not fit the weather. Other signs may include: Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises; Inability to handle emotions; Avoiding relationships and low self-esteem.
Individuals who engage themselves in the act of self-injury must seek professional help and support.
The significance of self-injury awareness day is to help people who are involved in self-injury behavior and do not feel confident enough to seek professional help.
The purpose of celebrating this day is to assist people with mental illness and self-harm and reduce the stigma associated with this behavior so that people are comfortable enough to seek help and support.
BY NKATHA WAINAINA