Breaking the Myths About Self-Mutilation

Breaking the Myths about Self-mutilation
With over 2 million Americans and almost one percent of the total population admitting to having consistent problems with self-injury, it is hard to believe that this problem is not taken as seriously as it should (Williams xv). This is a severe problem because those who hurt themselves in any way usually do not know any other ways of coping with bad situations. Self-mutilation, also known as self-injury, deliberate self-harm, self inflicted violence or cutting, is defined as the purposeful injury of one’s body that causes physical damage. This damage leaves a scar and is done by someone in order to deal with overwhelming situations (Williams 14, 19). It is not always obvious to outside observers, but self-injury is doing something very important for those with the problem. Cutters and other self-injurers find that the process works as a coping mechanism for uncomfortable or overwhelming feelings of inner pain and this method can be extraordinarily effective (Strong xvii). Some of the most common forms of self-injury are: cutting, burning, head banging, hitting oneself, and tearing out large amounts of hair in an attempt to ease pain.   Approximately 75 percent of those with self-mutilation issues use more than on method to inflict harm (Conteria, Lader & Bloom 17). This can cause serious long term effects because the person continues with a life of instability unless they can get help for the syndrome. The main problem with those who hurt themselves is figuring out what mental problem they have, if any, that has triggered their self-injurious behavior, and what mental need self-injury serves for them. Something that has hindered the progress of providing help is the myth about self-injury. In order to help those who have problems with self-mutilation society must break away from the stereotypes in order to see others in need of care. This syndrome has been hidden and misdiagnosed for so many years that people have lost...