Self-Injury Awareness Day
Adam Barkley529-73-7901(435)797-5727
March 1st is “Self-Injury Awareness day.” An estimated two million people self-injure in the U.S. alone, most often privately because of the large social stigma placed on those who practice it. That means that chances are you know someone who does it. It’s also reffered to as self-mutilation or self-harm, but we’ll call it SI for now. It is most often cutting with razors or glass, but also may be burning, hair pulling, etc. Contrary to what many think, it isnt for attention or manipulation, as evidenced by the great lengths gone through to hide it. SI is a coping mechanism, because there seems to be no other way. It happens with men and women, young and old, and every education level, including doctors and professors.SI’ers need support and understanding from their family and friends, not disgust and fear. Coming out as an SI’er is a hard and scary thing to go through, so if someone comes forward to you, be patient and listen. Try to help but don’t pressure them, often they just need someone to listen. If the populace becomes more accepting of self-injury than hopefully those that SI in secret will be able to come out and get help and support. If you wish to show support for Self-Injury Awareness Day you can wear a red and black ribbon or bracelet on your person or backpack or simply try to educate yourself. For more info on self-injury go to www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html and to give feedback, comments, questions whatever write me at abarkley@cc.usu.edu.