The positives and negatives of self harm
Put together by group members
(in no specific order)
Put together by group members
(in no specific order)
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POSITIVES
Relief Release of tension Stops worse things (e.g. suicide) Pushes suicidal thoughts away Pushes negative thoughs 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 
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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 Disappointment Feeling of failure It's dangerous Disappointment Numbness Panic Fear Guilt Pain |
