Cutting resources
Kytka "Kit" Hilmar-Jezek
Self-injury, like many addictions, is often a coping mechanism to deal with some manner of internal pain, many who struggle with it also struggle with other issues such as eating disorders and alcohol and drug abuse. While self-injury may be someone�s way to cope with or relieve painful or hard-to-express feelings and is generally NOT a suicide attempt, relief is always temporary, and usually only perpetuates a destructive cycle that continues the struggle. This cycle often means that those who do not get help can become more depressed and shameful, adding to the pain and need for relief, thus perpetuating the cycle.
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http://www.twloha.com/page.php?id=10
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http://www.selfinjury.com/
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Intervention Tips
The first thing to do when you suspect, or find out, that your loved one is self injuring is to think through how you are going to respond.
If you are only suspicious, then ask your child/relative if they are physically harming themselves.� If you know they are, tell them that you are there to help.� Share your concerns in a nonjudgmental manner.� Tell them that you know they must be in a lot of emotional pain, and you are sorry that they are 'needing' to do this in order to feel better.
If they say, "it's no big deal," ask them if the reason they are saying that, is because they fear you'll get mad?� If they answer no, and continue to minimize the behavior, then tell them that you would like to get a professional evaluation.� Ask them if they have had thoughts of suicide.� If they say yes, then ask if they have a plan.� If they do, then get immediate professional help by taking them to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital for an evaluation.
If they say no, then ask them if they know why they self-injure, and whether or not they are scared?� Tell them you'll be there to listen to whatever they have to say.� Be prepared to hear things that may be difficult for you to accept.� If you know that you have not always been there for them, consider telling them that you will be there for them now.� If you are sorry, tell them so even if it wasn't under your control (e.g. illness, divorce, job demands etc.).� Tell them that self-injury is not something they have to, or should, deal with by themselves. What not to do or say:
Display anger
Tell them to just stop it
Injure yourself; to show them how it makes you feel when they self-injure
Think of it as 'just a phase', or 'just for attention'
Punish or ground them
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http://www.eqi.org/cutting1.htm
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http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Cutting-Yourself
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http://www.essortment.com/articles/self-injury_100006.htm
To Your Continued Growth & Success!
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Kytka "Kit" Hilmar-Jezek, ND, PhD
Speaker, Coach, Author,
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Founder and Editor of The Age of Attraction Book Series
Author of Reiki for Children
Editor of My Journey To Becoming a Mayan Shaman
Founder of the�Following Websites:� The Age of Attraction,
Waldorf Homeschoolers, Reiki Kids, Spiritual & Abundant Kids Blog
Creator of the Following Videos:� http://www.youtube.com/user/WaldorfHomeschoolers
�
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
�
http://www.twloha.com/page.php?id=10
�
http://www.selfinjury.com/
�
Intervention Tips
The first thing to do when you suspect, or find out, that your loved one is self injuring is to think through how you are going to respond.
If you are only suspicious, then ask your child/relative if they are physically harming themselves.� If you know they are, tell them that you are there to help.� Share your concerns in a nonjudgmental manner.� Tell them that you know they must be in a lot of emotional pain, and you are sorry that they are 'needing' to do this in order to feel better.
If they say, "it's no big deal," ask them if the reason they are saying that, is because they fear you'll get mad?� If they answer no, and continue to minimize the behavior, then tell them that you would like to get a professional evaluation.� Ask them if they have had thoughts of suicide.� If they say yes, then ask if they have a plan.� If they do, then get immediate professional help by taking them to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital for an evaluation.
If they say no, then ask them if they know why they self-injure, and whether or not they are scared?� Tell them you'll be there to listen to whatever they have to say.� Be prepared to hear things that may be difficult for you to accept.� If you know that you have not always been there for them, consider telling them that you will be there for them now.� If you are sorry, tell them so even if it wasn't under your control (e.g. illness, divorce, job demands etc.).� Tell them that self-injury is not something they have to, or should, deal with by themselves. What not to do or say:
Display anger
Tell them to just stop it
Injure yourself; to show them how it makes you feel when they self-injure
Think of it as 'just a phase', or 'just for attention'
Punish or ground them
�
http://www.eqi.org/cutting1.htm
�
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Cutting-Yourself
�
http://www.essortment.com/articles/self-injury_100006.htm
To Your Continued Growth & Success!
�
Kytka "Kit" Hilmar-Jezek, ND, PhD
Speaker, Coach, Author,
�
Founder and Editor of The Age of Attraction Book Series
Author of Reiki for Children
Editor of My Journey To Becoming a Mayan Shaman
Founder of the�Following Websites:� The Age of Attraction,
Waldorf Homeschoolers, Reiki Kids, Spiritual & Abundant Kids Blog
Creator of the Following Videos:� http://www.youtube.com/user/WaldorfHomeschoolers
�
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]