Bev Aisbett - Taming The Black Dog, Revised Edition

Contents

Most of us feel depressed from time to time. This is usually linked to changes, losses and setbacks that are part of life. These may include: BEREAVEMENT END OF A RELATIONSHIP TESTS OF ABILITY OR WORTH JOB LOSS PHYSICAL CHANGES/PROBLEMS SOCIAL PROBLEMS, ETC. Depression associated with such life events, though painful, is usually TEMPORARY and lifts once life returns to normal or a reasonable period of grieving has passed. Depression may be a problem, however, if it is ONGOING and not apparently linked to an OBVIOUS CAUSE. ... entertaining MORBID THOUGHTS? If you are experiencing four or more of these problems on a REGULAR and ONGOING basis, you may have a problem with depression which will require ATTENTION. Some people resort to SELF-HARM as a way of coping with emotional and psychological pain. Some people resort to SELF-HARM as a way of coping with emotional and psychological pain.

As counter-intuitive as it may seem to an onlooker, those who self-harm do so because the practice brings them RELIEF. SELF-HARMING may include: CUTTING OR SCRATCHING THE SKIN BURNING OR SCALDING HITTING YOURSELF BANGING HEAD AGAINST WALL PUNCHING THINGS THROWING SELF AGAINST HARD OBJECTS STICKING SHARP OBJECTS INTO SKIN PREVENTING WOUNDS FROM HEALING SWALLOWING DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES/OBJECTS. However, there are less extreme or obvious forms of self-harm, including: RECKLESS DRIVING BINGE-DRINKING HEAVY DRUG USE RISKY BEHAVIOR PROMISCUITY. Self-harm is actually another form of NUMBING an attempt to escape EMOTIONAL pain through PHYSICAL pain. It can act as: A DISTRACTION A WAY TO OUTWARDLY EXPRESS FEELINGS A WAY TO DEAL WITH EARLIER ABUSE OR TRAUMA A RESPONSE TO NEGATIVE FEELINGS ABOUT YOURSELF OR YOUR BODY. Although it may seem to help in the moment, any feeling of relief is short-lived and so the person will self-harm again.

Its a vicious cycle and one that most self-harmers are not proud of and will often keep secret. SIGNS OF SELF-HARM WEARING CLOTHING THAT COVERS THE WOUNDS (EVEN IN VERY WARM WEATHER) UNEXPLAINED INJURIES FREQUENT ACCIDENTS, OR CLUMSINESS BLOOD STAINS CARRYING OR STORING SHARP OBJECTS DISAPPEARING INTO THE BATHROOM OR BEDROOM FOR LONG PERIODS IRRITABILITY AND DEFENSIVENESS Because self-harm often arises from deep TRAUMA, it is wise to seek professional help to work through the painful feelings you are trying to mask. Clearly, self-harm is not a helpful option! There are other ways to relieve stress and release strong emotions: USE WRITING, DRAWING OR SCULPTURE TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS GET STRENUOUSLY PHYSICAL RUN, STOMP OR HIT A PUNCHING BAG YELL OR SCREAM INTO A PILLOW. Instead of cutting, try: FLICKING A RUBBER BAND RUBBING ICE ON YOUR SKIN USE A RED PEN TO SIMULATE A WOUND.

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