Self-Injury Awareness Day, also known as SIAD, is an annual event held on 1st March. It aims to raise awareness about self-injury and reduce the stigma surrounding this behaviour. The day provides a platform for people affected by self-injury and their supporters to come together and share their stories, experiences, and coping strategies.
We wanted to share a blog this month to highlight the importance of self-injury awareness. As a care provider, it is crucial for us to be aware of self-injury and its implications. Self-injury, also known as self-harm, refers to the deliberate act of causing harm to oneself, often in the form of cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. Self-injury is not a mental illness but is often a symptom of an underlying mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this blog, we will explore why self-injury awareness is essential to us here at Birchwood Care Services.
Recognising the signs of self-injury
As a care provider, it is important to be able to recognise the signs of self-injury in order to provide appropriate care and support. Signs of self-injury can include unexplained scars or marks on the skin, the presence of sharp objects or instruments in their possession, or a sudden change in mood or behaviour. By recognising these signs, we are able to provide them with the care and support they need.
Understanding the underlying causes of self-injury
Self-injury is often a symptom of an underlying mental health condition. It is important to understand the underlying causes of self-injury in order to provide appropriate care and support. By understanding the underlying causes of self-injury, we help our clients address the root cause of their self-injurious behaviour. We can then develop a plan to manage their mental health condition.
Providing appropriate care and support
Self-injury can be a difficult behaviour to address, and it requires a sensitive and caring approach. It is important to provide appropriate care and support to individuals who engage in self-injury. This may involve providing emotional support or helping them to develop coping skills. Or referring to mental health professionals for further treatment.
Reducing the stigma associated with self-injury
Self-injury is often misunderstood and stigmatised, which can make it difficult for people who engage in self-injury to seek help. As carers, it is important to reduce the stigma associated with self-injury by providing education and support to our clients. By reducing the stigma associated with self-injury, we can help people feel more comfortable seeking help and receiving the care and support they need.
While it’s not common we need to be prepared for it. We believe by taking a sensitive and caring approach to self-injury, we can all help those who need it to manage their mental health conditions and live healthy and fulfilling lives. Think a career in care might be for you? You can learn more about how to get started as a carer in our blog post here.
To arrange a no-obligation assessment for you or a relative, contact us on 01892863710 or email careservices@birchwoodhouse.org.uk
