SHA #1: Do you think self harm defines you ?
Group Support organizing the month of Self-Harm Awareness Week, the focus will be on discussing general awareness, and support, and celebrating milestones and small steps. This will be an opportunity for all of us to come together and extend our support and compassion to all who struggling with self-harm.
There is a common thought that self-harm defines us but I disagree. I think self-harm does not define you. It is sort of a coping mechanism used by some to deal with difficult emotions and experiences, but it does not represent the entirety of who you are. Please know that.
- You are a whole person with many valuable qualities and strengths. Self-harm is just one aspect of your experience, and it doesn't diminish the other parts of your life and identity.
- There are reasons why you might be self-harming, but those reasons don't have to define your future. You can find healthier ways to cope, and you can overcome the challenges you are facing.
- Many people who self-harm go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives. With help and support, you can too.
- It's temporary, not permanent. Self-harm is rarely a lifelong behavior. With help and support, individuals can learn healthier coping mechanisms and move beyond self-harm.
But, the question of whether self-harm defines you is one that only you can answer for yourself. It is a deeply personal and introspective journey to explore how self-harm has influenced your life and sense of self. While self-harm may have played a role in shaping your experiences, it does not have the power to define who you are as a person. You are complex, multifaceted, and resilient, capable of overcoming challenges and embracing your true self beyond the scars of the past. We must approach the topic of self-harm with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to supporting those who are struggling.