Battle Scars
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The positives and negatives of self harm
Put together by group members
​(in no specific order)
POSITIVES

Relief
Release of tension
Stops worse things (e.g. suicide)
Pushes suicidal thoughts away
Pushes negative thoughts away
Release of anger
Allows user to function
Brings calm & peace
Makes me feel better
Makes me feel
Brings me out of numbness
Gives me control
Coping method when all else fails
Turns the mental pain into physical
Satisfaction
​Elation
Focus
Serves as an indicator of my state
I feel normal
Resets me
Clears my head
Escapism
Numbness
Helps me relinquish all control (binge eating)
May get help from services
I can avoid hurting others
The visual effect helps
It's lifesaving
​I may get concern from others
Drains emotions
I use it as a fail-safe
Avoidance
​Release of endorphins
​Euphoria
Feeling grounded
Clarity of mind
Distraction
Switch off
Pain​
Picture
NEGATIVES

Avoidance of dealing with the problems
Bottles up emotions again.
Causes distress to others/impact on family & loved ones
Addiction
​Anger
Increases social isolation
Isolation experienced by the carers
Scars
Loss of confidence & self esteem
Judgement
Takes away your control (false sense of control)
Takes over
Frequency and severity increases
Overrides basic functions
​Frustration
Damage
Frightens others
Dealing with others / others looking
Stigma
Self-loathing / self-hatred
Blame
Short-lived relief
​No relief​
The bad feelings felt afterwards feed the cycle
(when cutting) dislike of blood causing difficulty cleaning up
Shame
The visual effect makes me feel worse
Embarrassment
I may get unwanted concern from others
Increases stress levels
Emotional pain
If used for punishment it reinforces the reasons for punishment, justifying them
I may be accused of attention seeking
Feeling of failure
It's dangerous
Disappointment
​Numbness
Panic
Fear
Guilt
​Pain
Battle Scars Policies 
​
Privacy Principles
Battle scars logo
Registered charity No 1177020 

email: info@battle-scars.org.uk
​Tel (information & admin line only): 07410 380747 - office hours
Funded by:
Tudor Trust funder Battle Scars
Brelms Trust funder Battle Scars
George A Moore Foundation funder Battle Scars
Picture
Picture
addressing self-harming Leeds Community Foundation City Council
Leeds Compassionate City Awards Health Wellbeing category winner
Battle Scars Leeds Volunteering Kitemark
charity excellence framework quality mark
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​​Website by Battle Scars
  • Home
    • About us
    • News
    • The board of trustees
  • Services
    • Online support groups
    • 16-25s group Leeds
    • Support groups (adults) Leeds
    • For parents & families
    • Survey about groups
    • Facebook support group
    • Training for professionals >
      • Virtual Q&A set dates
      • Private training
    • Introductory sessions
    • Under 18's
    • School assemblies
  • Resources
    • Understanding s/h
    • Managing s/h
    • Self-awareness
    • Addiction programme
    • For organisations
    • Videos & more
    • What is self-harm all about?
    • Everything else
  • For family
  • Support us
    • Membership
    • Donations
    • Leaflet request form
    • Downloads
    • Wristbands
    • Publications
  • Contact us
    • Join the mailing list
  • People's corner
    • M/H Awareness Week 2021
    • Gallery
    • COVID-19 impact