Self Harm, Apa Yang Bisa Kita Lakukan Untuk Sembuh?

Summary

In this video, Dr. Jimy Ian, a psychiatrist, explores the complex nature of self-harm and why individuals engage in such behavior. He explains that self-harm is not merely about seeking attention but serves as a way to temporarily relieve emotional pain. Dr. Ian discusses various ways people cope with these sensations, including harmful and safer alternatives. While some methods provide immediate relief, they don't address the underlying issues. The video encourages seeking professional help, recognizing that self-harm often stems from deeper emotional struggles. Dr. Ian stresses the importance of compassion and proper support for those experiencing self-harm.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-harm is not just about physical injury; it is a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional discomfort, and it often provides temporary relief but does not solve the underlying issues.
• 😀 Self-harm can be misunderstood as attention-seeking behavior, but for many, it is a way to manage overwhelming emotions, not to gain attention.
• 😀 The sensation experienced during self-harm is one of relief, not pain, which makes it a recurring cycle for individuals seeking comfort.
• 😀 Simple short-term solutions to provide relief include safe physical activities like running marathons or using ice baths, but these do not address the root emotional issues.
• 😀 It is important to understand that self-harm is a complex issue, often linked to deeper emotional or psychological distress.
• 😀 Professionals can offer crucial help, and seeking help from a psychiatrist or counselor is encouraged for those struggling with self-harm.
• 😀 Sometimes, medication like antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be necessary, depending on the underlying psychological condition causing self-harm.
• 😀 Self-harm is not about seeking attention but about finding a temporary escape from emotional pain and distress.
• 😀 Encouraging individuals who self-harm to reach out to professionals is crucial, as managing the emotional pain behind self-harm requires expert guidance.
• 😀 Self-harm can be a challenging issue, but it is essential to offer non-judgmental support and help individuals understand that their pain is valid, and solutions are available.

Q & A

What is self-harm and how is it different from common misconceptions?

Self-harm refers to any behavior intended to relieve emotional or psychological discomfort, often by causing physical pain or injury to oneself. It is not simply about seeking attention, as commonly assumed, but rather about coping with intense emotional states, providing temporary relief, but not solving underlying issues.

Why do people engage in self-harm when they are emotionally hurt?

People engage in self-harm to relieve intense emotional pain, as the physical pain momentarily distracts them or creates a sense of relief. This can become a cycle because while it provides temporary comfort, it does not address the root cause of their emotional distress.

What are some common misconceptions about people who self-harm?

A common misconception is that people who self-harm are just seeking attention or acting out for no reason. In reality, self-harm is often a coping mechanism for dealing with unmanageable emotional pain, and it is not driven by a desire to get attention.

How does the brain react when someone engages in self-harm?

When someone engages in self-harm, the brain experiences relief, not pain. This happens because the physical pain triggers a response that temporarily alleviates emotional distress. This relief can be addictive and becomes a temporary solution to emotional discomfort.

What are some immediate strategies to help someone who self-harms?

Some immediate strategies include offering alternative methods of relief that do not cause harm, such as drawing on the skin with a red marker (symbolizing self-harm), engaging in physical activity like running, or using cold therapy like immersing oneself in ice. However, these are short-term solutions, and long-term help is needed.

Why are short-term solutions not sufficient for dealing with self-harm?

Short-term solutions only provide temporary relief from emotional pain, and they do not address the underlying issues. To truly help, a person needs ongoing support, therapy, and possibly medication to deal with the root causes of their distress.

What role do professionals play in helping individuals who self-harm?

Professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, are essential for providing a comprehensive understanding of why a person self-harms and for offering treatments like therapy or medication to help manage emotional pain in a healthier way.

What kind of professional help might someone who self-harms need?

Depending on the individual's condition, they might benefit from therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers. However, medication is not always necessary and depends on the underlying diagnosis.

How can family and friends support someone who self-harms?

Family and friends can offer emotional support by listening without judgment, encouraging the person to seek professional help, and reassuring them that their pain is understood. It's important to avoid labeling the behavior as attention-seeking and to provide consistent encouragement to seek help.

What are the key differences between self-harm and simply seeking attention?

Self-harm is an unhealthy coping mechanism for emotional distress, aimed at finding temporary relief from pain, whereas seeking attention typically involves outward behavior to gain focus or validation from others. The core difference lies in the motivation and underlying emotional reasons for the actions.