Healing Self-Injury

I have been busy traveling lately, speaking to various groups of people about why some of us live with self-inflicted violence (SIV), and what helps people heal.  What I have talked about more and more as I do these trainings is the awareness that all people do harmful things at times.  While it may not be as obvious as the cuts, scratches, bruises or blisters that come from SIV, other forms of self-harm are more dangerous, yet not as strongly reacted to as SIV.  Some forms of self-injury are quite subtle, and might even be societally supported, such as overworking and overspending.  I have found it hopeful to have all people consider the various ways that they have “harmed” themselves, why they did so, and if they want to change their self-harm or not.  This has been a most useful tool in building a bridge of understanding between thsoe who live with SIV and those who do not.  The more we understand, connect, and relate to each other, the more we can help each other and ourselves.

I am adding material to the web site and invite you to look at several more publications and let me know if they are of use to you.  I am also going to look up an editorial I wrote a while ago, just on this topic of the many forms of self-harm, and post that as well.   Please let me know what you think!  We at Sidran have had recent problems with our e-mail so I apologize if you did not get through to us.  Please give us another try.