What is Self Harm? Self-harm is when someone mistreats themselves deliberately, as a way of coping with tough emotions. It starts when a person feels devastated with upsetting thoughts. Hence, harming themselves gives a sense of relief from the emotional pain they’re feeling. This relaxation is only temporary and is often incited by feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Since the emotional pain is still existing, the person will continue to rely on self-harming, making it a vicious cycle. So, how to stop self-harm? Finding support from a top counselling psychologist in India can help. Let’s see how!
Why do people self-harm?
There is no straight answer as to why somebody might hurt themselves. Many people who harm themselves claim that it is a means to communicate something they can’t put into words.
For some, a particular event or an occasion triggers them to begin hurting themselves. This includes:
- being bullied or ragged
- losing a loved one suddenly
- drastic end of a relationship
- losing a job
- having an illness
- feeling stressed
- poor sense of self-worth
- confused about sexuality
- experiencing any abuse
- having problems at home
There could be indirect causes also. Each person experiences self-harm differently, and the reasons will be different. If you don’t know why your self-harm, remember, you are not alone, and you can still reach out for support to a top psychologist in Chennai.
Is it just attention seeking?
Some people might discuss self-harming as an ‘attention-seeking act. The truth is that several people keep such self-harming incidents or episodes private.
Believe it or not, but for some, there is a factor of wanting attention. They probably want people to see their sadness. Either way, self-harming should never be brushed off in this way.
What self-harming can involve
The stereotypical picture of someone who self-harms always involves cutting is a myth. Though this is a widespread form of self-harm, it is not the only way.
Self-harm covers any form of hurting. It can include over-eating, self-poisoning, under-eating, and even getting into physical fights. In some circumstances, self-harm can also be mental or emotional. If you feel you are going through one, contact a psychologist in Chennai to help you out.
Who does it affect?
According to the latest statistics, India has high self-harm. However, the suicide rate in India is low compared to a lot of other countries, DSH ( deliberate self-harm rate is definitely high). Precise statistics are not available for DSH rates in India.
Well, self-harm doesn’t discriminate, and it can impact any age group. Reports indicate that the majority of people are aged between 11 and 25. Social pressures and stigma can make it more liable for a person to self-harm.
How to Stop Self-Harm? – Getting Help
After getting into a cycle of self-harming, it can be hard to quit. Getting professional support from a famous psychotherapist in India can help make changes. There are several ways to get help to stop self-harm, but professional assistance is crucial. It is okay to feel nervous while asking for help. It takes a lot of courage to speak up and remember that everyone has the right to receive support.
When asking for help, be as transparent and honest as you can. It may be enticing to lower the extent of your self-harming tendencies, but speaking honestly is the most promising way to get rid of it.
We will now look at some of the unique options:
1. Speak to your doctor
Visit your doctor or counselling psychologist in India and tell them you need help. This is the first significant step. They will then talk you through the treatment options and even offer medication if required.
2. Try talking therapies
Counselling or undergoing psychotherapy from a famous counselling psychologist in India has been beneficial for people with self-harming tendencies. Counselling gives you personal space to talk about your emotions in a non-judgmental and confidential setting.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is also highly recommended for those who self-harm. It has always given excellent results.
3. Support groups
Talking to other people who also tend to self-harm can be comforting. It can make you feel you are not the only one in this, and communicating your experience with others can help you feel lighter.
If going to a support group is building your anxiety, you can also seek online support forums. Your counselling psychologist in Chennai, India, can guide you through this.
How to Stop Self-Harm Yourself?
If you are wondering how to stop self-harm, helping yourself is the first step. Well, the urge to self-harm can be severe, and it can keep you in a dilemma as to what to do instead if you’re already struggling with this to approaching a counselling psychologist in Chennai, India. Here are a few aspects you can try to help yourself.
1. Recognize your triggers:
Keep a journal of the instances whenever you try to self-harm. Note down the details of the incident, what you were doing, how you were feeling, what you were thinking. This will help you spot patterns or understand yourself better.
Well, recognizing what exactly triggers you can help you foresee future instances too. Accordingly, you can take preventive measures.
2. Distracting yourself:
Diverting yourself when you perceive the urge to self-harm can change your behaviour tremendously. Everyone is unique, so make sure to try varied distraction techniques to see what works reasonably for you. Here are some ideas:
- hitting cushions
- writing it down
- go for a walk or jog
- exercise
- talking to someone
- listening to music
- drawing or sketching
- try relaxation techniques
If you find that these ideas aren’t working, try delaying self-harm. Within that time frame, your emotions may calm and may not be so strong.
These self-help methods are valuable for the short-term; however, to heal for the long term, you should seek professional support. Try booking sessions with a top psychologist in Chennai and understand how to accept your feelings.
Self-Harm Recovery
Healing from self-harm is not impossible with the right assistance. You may experience relapses when you fall back into old habits, but don’t give up so soon. You are stronger than you know, and you are your biggest motivation.
The longer you waste time getting help, the more difficult it will understand to stop self-harming. Remember that everyone deserves happiness, and when you’re ready to find support, be it a counsellor or psychologist in Chennai, we are there for you.
What should I be looking for in a counsellor or psychotherapist?
Presently, there are no laws or regulations in place that prescribe the training or qualifications required for a psychologist in Chennai. However, NHS has created guidelines that render crucial information about the recommended treatments.
It also says that a medical professional must propose a full inspection of your needs if you have injured yourself. This can be done by a specialist or even a trained mental health professional.
After this, you will be offered further treatment.
Career Counselling with Praveen Saanker
Counselling services provided by Mr Praveen Saanker are part of our “not-for-profit” activities. We do not charge a consulting fee for these support initiatives since they aim to provide aid and relief for truly deserving individuals who otherwise may not have been able to afford these services.
Mr Praveen Saanker has set aside 12 hours of his professional time every week to provide coaching and counselling services. We provide appointments basis on the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. Please note that we do not have robust CRM platforms or customer support teams to provide instant answers to your queries or replies to your mails. Hence please bear with us for the time we take to get back to you.
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We are not a registered charitable organisation, and hence we do not accept financial donations or support items in any form. You can get associated with anyone and choose the path you would like to follow in empowering your fellow human beings. But we would like to hear from you on how you intend to contribute back to society shortly when you choose to avail of our services.
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If you believe you require Mr Praveen Saanker’s support and assistance, you can write to us at praveen@vedicology.com. Please be rest assured, we shall get back to you and be with you during your testing times in whatever capacity we can.
Mr Praveen, the founder of ‘Vedicology,’ is an internationally renowned scholar on Sanatana Dharma recognised for his knowledge and application of Indian Psychology and Spirituality. Praveen is an expert on combining various Indian and Western psychology traits, Vedic Scriptures, Indian Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions, Astrology, Vastu Shastra & Numerology. Aiming to be of the utmost help, Mr Praveen Saanker looks to understand your motivations and aspirations and then provide a solution accordingly. Praveen successfully integrates the principles of Vedas with modern Psychology and Business Management. Mr Praveen Saanker works with family business entrepreneurs and next-generation leaders, advising them on the family constitution and finding a subtle balance between family and business priorities.
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