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Vision Psychology Brisbane

Open 7 Days - Wishart & Loganholme

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What is Self-Harm?

What is Self-Harm?

“Self-harm” is the term used when a person intentionally injures or hurts themselves as a way to cope with emotional distress.

People who self-harm have difficulty talking to others about their emotions, and instead inflict harm upon themselves as a way to cope. Each year around 26,000 Australians are admitted to hospital due to self-harm injuries. Some of the most common ways people harm themselves include cutting, burning, picking at skin or punching.

Indirect self-harm occurs when a person inflicts injury on themselves less directly – such as failing to receive treatment for a known illness or alcoholism.

Why do People Self-Harm?

Some of the most common reasons an individual may turn to self-harm include:

  • To manage their emotions (e.g. Anger)
  • Low self-esteem
  • To cope with feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Self-hatred
  • Poor body image
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Emotional numbness
  • As a way to cope with abuse
  • A belief that they deserve punishment

The treatment for self harm may include:

  • Counselling
  • Psychatric treatment
  • Harm minimization techniques and first aid skills in early treatment stages
  • Learning more effective coping strategies
  • Support of professionals, family and friends
  • Medical treatment for injuries

If you – or someone close to you – is self-harming, it is important to get help as soon as possible. By talking to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, the self-harming individual will be able to start a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to their needs.

Angela BromfieldAuthor: Angela Bromfield, B Sc (Hons Psych), B Ed (Primary), M Ed Psych.

Angela Bromfield is a registered psychologist, who primarily works with children and teenagers. She has a keen interest in helping people who self-harm, no matter what their age.

Angela is currently on extended leave.

To make an appointment try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422.

 

 

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Call 3088 5422  Appointment times are offered between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday and Sunday during the day.  All therapists work on a part-time basis with appointments available mornings and after hours.  If you are limited by working … Read More about Contact Us




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