Volume CXI, Issue 2
The student news publication of Walnut Hills High School
September 30, 2016
2,000,000 year every
EMMA HEINES/CHATTERBOX
Symia Grayson, ‘17 2,000,000 cases of diagnosed self-harm are reported annually in the U.S. This Viewpoints article hopes to bring attention to the related issue of self harm. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month so The Chatterbox spoke to students who have harmed themselves in the past about the issue of self-harm. For personal reasons all chose to stay anonymous. There are many misconceptions about self-harm and how to aid the recovery of those struggling. A common question surrounding the issue is why someone would intentionally hurt his or her self. There is no straight answer and some argue there is no ‘right’ solution either. As every case of self-harm differs, so does the reasoning behind why a person might turn to harming himself or herself. The causes for the interviewed students’
depression were different, but the results were the same: both people turned to self-harm at a young age and both students have stopped harming themselves since. And while both sought help, their approaches varied greatly. One student started self-harming in seventh grade when dealing with family problems. As the issue grew the student finally consulted the mother who then sought help with a professional by enrolling the student in a medical hospital for several days. That, coupled with new friends who shared similar interests, initiated the recovery process. The other student interviewed went to a small school where the student was bullied over physical appearance. The student found that professional counselling didn’t help and explored other ways of recovery. As an alternative coping method the student frequently reflected on the factors affecting his or her depression. When the student felt the urge to harm again, he or she fought
to calm down and reassured his or her self that life would eventually get better. After seeing how easily influenced some people could be, the student was reminded of the replicative consequential decisions others might take when seeing the students choices. “[Self-harm] should never be the answer. Even when it looks like nothing else will help, there’s always something else you can turn to,” a student said. If you are considering self-harm, seek out a friend or mentor before making any decisions. Talk your problems over with someone and get support. Even if you’ve already started, it’s never too late to begin trying to stop. If you’ve tried one recovery method and that didn’t help, explore other ways until you find your own personalized therapy path. If you have previously hurt yourself, seek help before it escalates beyond your control. If you are considering self-harm, find someone to talk to or something to distract
you before you start on the destructive and possibly irreversible path of self-harm. If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts, tell a trusted adult and find time to talk to the person one-on-one to let them know that you’re there for them and that you care. Listen to their problems and encourage them to seek help. The school nurse Meg Dietz is always willing to listen and has done so for a number of students. She, along with other trusted adults, can help those struggling with self-harm connect to their parents, school counselors and get extended help. If you or someone you know self harms or is thinking about self harming, contact the 24/7 Cincinnati Crisis Care Center at 513-281-2273 or talk to a trusted adult about how to get help.