Do you find yourself feeling :

Extreme feelings of rage?

Chronic Anxiety?

Emotionally Numb?

Powerless over your life?

These can be feelings that lead to thoughts of harming yourself and possibly someone else.  People generally internalize these feelings which lead to what is commonly known as Self Injury.

Self Injury allows someone:

•  To escape from emotional pain such as anger or anxiety
•  To release tension
•  To induce a pleasure state
•  To gain control over seemingly out-of-control emotions
•  To physically express pain

Forms of self injury:

• Cutting
• Scratching
• Burning
• Punching Walls
• Head banging
• Preventing wounds from healing
• Picking
• Poking
• Hair pulling
• Choking yourself until passing out

What you can do!

Most people who self injury find this to be the quickest and most relieving coping mechanism to address painful issues.  The following are strategies you can use to cope without cutting. One thing to remember is that even though cutting now seems to be your only friend it will eventually cease being your friend.  This could create further complications for coping which could lead to suicidal thinking.

1. Using relaxation techniques - most people balk at these when they first hear it or try it.  Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery can lower stress and help you let go of distorted thinking. It is important to stay with these because like anything else they take practice.
2. Writing down your thoughts - in today's world of technology there are ways for you to put your thoughts down.  It is impotant that you alleviate your thoughts and emotions in a manner such as this.  You can share them with someone you trust or if you are seeing a counselor you can share your thoughts with them.
3. Increase positive social interaction - It is important for individuals to increase positive social interaction.  The more positive interaction we have with others the more it improves our mood and our hope. Do not use drugs or alcohol. Using drugs and alcohol impairs positive social interaction and only increases isolation. 
4. See a counselor - It is very difficult to decide to talk to someone about this behavior.  You can be assured that there are many trained counselors that have helped many people with cutting.  Below you will find a number on this campus to call. If you do not want to be seen here then someone at the counseling center can assist you in finding help. 

If you find yourself thinking of harming yourself or engaging any of these behaviors please contact the counseling center at 581-3413 for help.  We are open from 8-4:30 Monday-Friday in our office located on the first floor of the Health Services building.  We are available for emergency by calling our pager number 348-2909 after our normal business hours.    

Disclaimer:

The material in this site is provided for personal use only and does not substitute counseling or help from a trained professional. The Eastern Illinois UniversityCounseling Center does not endorse or recommend information on these self help pages with respect to any company or product. It is specifically designed for informational and educational use to aid in awareness and resources on certain topics. We make no claims about use of this information as a treatment or replacement for professional mental health counseling. Site users are urged contact their mental health professional or contact the counseling department at 581-3413 if they wish to connect with a professional about any of these or other issues that may be distressing them.