A closer look at self-abuse

ABUSE comes in many forms. In fact, more people are now recognising different forms of abuse aside from the normal categories. One such example is “self-abuse”. Reading the caption and this first paragraph might sound strange at first. Trust me, even as a trained professional, I also had to adjust to this concept when I first heard it. We widely consider the abuse others commit to others, but have we ever stopped to consider the abuse people do to themselves? It is easy sometimes to pinpoint bullies or abusers, but what happens when the abuser is, in fact, your inner self and thoughts?

“Self-abuse” means exactly what it implies. It is when someone intentionally causes harm to themself. Most times, people use the term “self-harm” to describe Self Abuse. I, however, realised that “Self Abuse” indicates a wider awareness and scope of abuse. Self-abuse is done most times as a coping mechanism. It is done to express overwhelming emotions and pain. When someone commits this act, they are also more prone to have suicidal tendencies.

Some people even commit self-abuse or harm to punish themselves for various reasons. While most forms of self-abuse might bring “relief” to certain challenges the person might be faced with—it is merely a temporary fix. I want to emphasise “abuse” as the keyword in the term. Even though you are committing this act on yourself, you might be harming your body. It can cause long-term injuries and can have a detrimental impact on your quality of life.

Some types of self-abuse or harm include cutting or burning one’s skin, misusing mind-controlling substances such as drugs and alcohol, and punching one’s self. You can look for signs if you suspect someone might be endangering themselves by observing if the person has unexplained cuts or bruises on their body, pulling out their hair, signs of depression, talks of punishing themselves or even if they keep themselves fully covered all the time despite hot weather conditions.

Self-abuse is done as an unhealthy coping mechanism, and it is important for persons who are faced with such tendencies to seek professional help. One of the key solutions for self-abuse is to recognise it for what it is. Secondly, you ought to find ways to think more positively about yourself. Change the direction of your abusive self-talk and turn it into something positive. You might not be able to do this on your own, but at least acknowledging the problem can be your first step toward change.

In a way, sometimes, we all abuse ourselves to some extent. If not physically, then perhaps emotionally. Emotional self-abuse is also important to note, as it can eventually lead to physical abuse. The “I am fat, ugly and disgusting” or “I don’t deserve happiness, I hate myself” talks will not do you any good. In a world of cruelty, wars and division—the least we can do is be kinder to ourselves.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline in Guyana can be reached on 223-0001/09, 600-7896 and 623-4444. Call for professional counselling.