University |
Self-Injury on College Campuses
Self injury is intentionally causing self-inflicted physical pain in order to cope with overwhelming feelings, traumatic events, or severe emotional pain. The person is not "crazy," but rather just never learned appropriate ways to express intense feelings. Some of the most common ways to self-injure include cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, and pulling hair. A person who self-injures usually does so in private. She does not typically flaunt or brag about injuries. Although some men self-injure, the behavior is more prevalent amongst women. The reasons vary. Some who self-mutilate say it helps to release pain, while others say it offers distraction from traumatic memories. For some, self-injury gives a sense of control. Others are numb to emotion, and self-injury gives them a way to feel something. The biggest misconception is that self-injury is an attempt to commit suicide. The person in question may feel so bad that he has had suicidal thoughts, but generally the two are unrelated. In most cases, the act of self-injury is an attempt to cope with those intense feelings, not die. Here are the warning signs of self-injury: Compulsive need to injure oneself by cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or pulling hair Re-injuring old wounds so they don't heal Scarring, usually on arms, wrists, legs, abdomen, head, or chest Attempts to hide arms or other body parts where injury occurred Hoarding of sharp objects like razors Person experiences a high from doing it Consuming thoughts of self-injury, or the behavior interrupts normal daily functioning In most cases, there is no intention of killing oneself, only to cope with or release intense feelings of pain Usually self-injures when alone If you experience any of these symptoms, you know that the behavior can feel all-consuming. You also need to know that there are people who want to support you in finding healthier ways of coping. If you have a friend or roommate who is a self-injurer, it can be frightening and disturbing to be around this behavior. As difficult as it may be, do not attempt to stop or control someone's self-injury. You are not responsible for her behavior, and by interfering with her way of coping, you could do more harm than good. Trying to hide or take away self-injury tools, giving ultimatums, or "guilt tripping" your roommate into stopping only encourages more self-hatred and more self-injury. Instead, support your roommate by helping her express feelings and offering to listen without judgment. Whether you are a self-injurer or know one, seeing a campus counselor can help you find ways to better deal with the behavior. You can learn more about the myths and facts of self injury from the American Self Harm Information Clearing House at http://www.selfinjury.org/indexnet.html. You can also call the SAFE Alternatives Program at 1-800-DON'T-CUT (1-800-366-8288). Susan Fee is a licensed counselor and author of the college survival guide, "My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell" (Adams Media). She offers more college survival tips on her site, http://www.myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com
MORE RESOURCES: |
RELATED ARTICLES
Natural Healing Schools What are NATURAL HEALING SCHOOLS? Natural Healing Schools teach natural medicine that are holistic approaches that rely on natural remedies. Sunlight, air, and water are thought of as natural healers; this, along with nutritional supplements and massage therapies are all curriculm in natural healing schools. The Pros and Cons of an Online College Degree Getting a college degree online seemingly appears to be a very convenient way to gain further education without having to inconvenience your home life. An easier way to obtain an edge in the working world is by getting that online college degree that you've always wanted, without having to leave the comfort of your own home. College Study Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder Here are some benefits to studying for your college classes the right way: more leisure time, less stress, less pressure from your parents, less debt, better grades, and better career opportunities. Sound worthwhile? That doesn't mean there isn't work involved, but it's how you accomplish the work that matters. Online Education: 57 Leading Institutions Getting a college degree today is easier than ever before thanks to the number of institutions offering distance learning opportunities. Whether you are pursuing a undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degree you can choose from scores of degree granting schools. Online Nursing Degree For Busy Nurses Many who work in the healthcare or nursing industry know without question that free time (time within which to relax and call your own) is at a premium. In this regard, they work in extremely demanding jobs: both in terms of the jobs they do and the hours on the job they spend. Whats behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning? There is a ground swell of support globally to support the growth of distance learning. Market research firms, government agencies, public and private companies, and even venture capital firms - those companies that invest in new and emerging businesses - all agree that distance learning's future is very bright, and a good investment opportunity as well. Outstanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 3 Students appreciate teachers that can show them how the material they teach can be applied to the real world.Dr. College Residence Life Staff: Speak to Gain Respect When you speak, do residents listen or ignore you? If you're having trouble commanding respect, it could be the way you're saying it. Here is a list of words that can sabotage your effectiveness as a communicator. CRI Releases Its 2003-2004 College Graduate Survey Upper Saddle River, N.J. Acing the SAT Exam Don't cheat. This goes without saying for 999 out of 1000 students (hopefully even more!) but cheating is not the way to score high on the SAT exam. College Admissions Essays that Take 1st Place -A Personal Statement Checklist Congratulations on your move toward a college degree. And congratulations on seeking support for writing your admissions essay/personal statement. Who Can Apply For Online Nursing Degrees? Online nursing degrees are college degrees in the field of healthcare and nursing that are obtained via the Internet. Online nursing degrees are great ways for registered nurses to further their careers without having to take a leave of absence from their jobs. Creating the Acceptable College Applicant America's colleges and universities no longer have enough room to accommodate all the qualified students who apply. As a result, schools are forced to reject far more applicants than they accept. Online Education I always dreamed of going to school and getting a degree in something I'd love to do. I had plenty of dreams, and I wanted to pursue them. How to Save Money While at College Still struggling to pay off the college loan? Have you disconnected your cell phone just to avoid those darn creditors? Need a quick get rich scheme? Well?maybe not that but in this article you will find some practical ways on saving money while attending your post secondary institution.BooksCollege book prices have been rising along with the cost of tuition, and it is no wonder why so many students have resorted to photocopying their texts. Packing for College Sending a child away for college and helping them pack brings up so many emotions and memories. As you remember back to your days in college or anticipate their days, don't forget some of the most simple things that may be needed and should be packed. Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote The problem with student and any small move comes when a small load has to be transported a long way:- For the moving company, the mileage and road time costs are not much less than for moving a whole house.. Saving For College - Your Number Two Priority In today's highly competitive college admissions process, families must never lose sight of the fact that nothing is more important to parent or child than the student's acceptance to college. Your second priority is how to pay for it. The Key to Online College Classes - Have It Your Way Never before has online education been more esteemed than today. In most circles online learning is haled as a viable alternative to traditional classroom settings. Online Degree Program and Online Degree Programs Online degree program is a good choice for busy individual's seeking a degree and continuing their education. There are many institutions online that offer online degree programs. |
home | site map |
© 2011 |