Kaya 959 Reporter
There are those in our lives who continually harm themselves.
It is important to know that there are always reasons behind someone hurting themselves.
Self-harm has been described by some as a technique to cope.
When people hurt themselves as a way of coping with challenging feelings, traumatic memories, or overwhelming situations and experiences, they are engaging in self-harm.
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Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Prof Ramodungoane Tabane, an Educational psychologist and Associate Professor at UNISA; Lwando Sigabi who is a person battling self-harming; as well as Asanda Tetyana, a Parenting Expert to discuss how to support those affected.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
Prof Ramodungoane Tabane says it’s natural to be concerned about someone gravely injuring themselves or perhaps taking their own life.
He also added that while these anxieties are natural, it’s important to realize that self-harm does not always imply that someone wants to die.
According to Mind.Org, the following approaches are important when supporting someone who engages in self-harm.
- Offer to assist them in locating assistance
- Remind them of their good characteristics and accomplishments.
- Try not to pass judgment.
- Make sure the person knows you’re there for them.
- Relate to them as a whole person, not simply as a self-harming individual.
- Try to comprehend and empathize with what they’re doing.
- Allow them to make their own decisions.
- Try to communicate in an open and honest manner, taking responsibility for whatever anxieties you may have.
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