Self-Harm

GLBTT* people may have unique reasons for self-harming, using it as a way to cope with homophobia and other forms of oppression, with rejection or the fear of rejection as we come out to friends and family, and even with feelings of self-hatred. (See also Oppression).

Self-harm is often misunderstood and stigmatized by our culture and sometimes even by health care professionals. Self-harm is any behaviour that inflicts pain or damage on your body, although people usually do it to help themselves feel better, not worse.

Sometimes physical pain distracts us, and hurts less than emotional and other deep pains. Some forms of self-harm include cutting, burning, hitting or banging yourself either using fists or another object like a wall, overdosing on drugs, biting, hair-pulling, and picking at skin or scabs.  

Some people engage in similar behaviours that may not require medical attention. You may be experimenting with sexual pleasure (see BDSM section), modifying your body for aesthetic purposes (see Safer Body Art), performing a ritual for spiritual or meditative purposes, or simply experimenting out of curiosity or interest. As long as you are using harm reduction practices (such as sterile equipment and consensus among all involved), these practices are healthy and are not considered self-harm.

These are some indications that you might be self-harming and in need of medical attention or the help of a professional:

• You’re getting rid of feelings that won’t go away otherwise
• You want to let people know that you’re not okay
• You feel guilty afterwards or try to hide what you’ve done
• This is a way for you to gain some control or to punish yourself
• This is, or is becoming, a regular coping pattern rather than a rare exception