We at Pieta house understand self-harm as a way of communicating emotional distress, whether that distress is sadness, anger, fear or self-loathing. In this way of communicating, the body becomes a 'notice board' where the scars and wounds reflect the pain or distress the person is feeling. This is usually because the person cannot verbalise their emotions. The problem with using this way of expressing yourself is that very soon you will only communicate your feelings this way, that you will never talk about your feelings. The other point to know is that this may not be a 'phase' because self-harm can have a life span of twenty or thirty years. Finally you must also remember that while you might feel a certain amount of relief when you self-harm, it is only temporary and is usually overshadowed by terrible feelings of shame and guilt.
Pieta House can help you learn how to verbalise your emotions instead of acting them out by hurting yourself. Together we will track and monitor the triggers that cause you to feel the need to self-harm. When we see what these danger spots are, we will then help you come up with an alternative way of coping with the distress. We will show you that your response to emotions was something you created at a young age - maybe this was because you were unable to tell anyone when you were upset, angry or sad. Maybe there was no one there to tell you that what you were feeling at the time was real and understood why you felt so bad. We can help your family understand that you need help and support from them - not criticism or disgust.
We would be happy to help.
Does this sound familiar? If so why don't you let us help you. Our service is free and easy to access. Just telephone 01-601 00 00 or email mary@pieta.ie
