Self-Harm Alternatives & Affirmations

By: Martina Bocado
Volunteer

Self-Harm
The quarantine keeps extending in the hopes of reducing the number of COVID-19 cases here in the Philippines. However, it is taking a toll on our mental health, especially for the youth. While we have different coping strategies to adapt to the “new normal,” sometimes other people take extreme measures to deal with stressful events, such as injuring themselves. But ever since the pandemic began, there are anticipations of rising self-harming cases. 
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What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is the act of intentionally causing pain and damage to oneself. The typical methods of self-harm involve cutting a body part with a sharp object (e.g., blade), burning of flesh, hair-pulling, hitting oneself, crushing bones, object insertion into skin, delaying the healing of injury, or suffocating self. 
Self-harm is more common than you think, especially for Filipinos aged 15-24 years old. However, talks about mental health issues are still taboo here in the Philippines, and topics on self-harm are no different, making it seem rare in the country. And, although not all self-harm had intentions to die, it cannot be ignored since this may still lead to suicide or death.
It may seem to injure oneself is the only option but there are other ways you can cope during this pandemic. If you are seeking safe and healthy substitutes for self-harm, look no further. In Touch Family has your back.

Graphics by: Allana Acosta

If you need immediate emotional support, In Touch will be here for you.
Our Crisis Line is available 24/7: 02-8893-7603 / 0917-800-1123 / 0922-893-8944.

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5) Redaniel, M. T., Lebanan-Dalida, M. A., & Gunnell, D. (2011). Suicide in the Philippines: time trend analysis (1974–2005) and literature review. BMC Public Health, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-11-536