Self mutilation or self harm can involve a number of displays.

1. Cutting either superficial or severe

2. Burning on any level

3. Pulling out of hair (individual or handfuls)

In extreme cases it can also involve breaking of their own bones, improper use of chemicals or substances, placing themselves in direct harm of traffic or other physical attacks by others.

As various as the means the reasons why? Are also.

The reasons given from a survey done in U.K. , Canada and America were mostly Pressure to succeed or overcome obstacles, Feeling a lack of control in their life or environment.

Others would not give reasons but simply made the statements "I cant due to the fear of being judged or hospitalized."(Almost 32%)

In some papers written by the surveyors and Dr's they stated that the Harmers would simply grow out of it and were just showing signs of immaturity.

BUT...

If this is the case then why does it also show that the two age groups that are highest at risk are 12-30 years and the 55-80 years?

These are the years when most humans are learning who they are, Are doing higher studies, Are starting families, Getting married or are elderly who once were considered productive and active members of the community and had never self harmed before.

Those who had managed to resist the "URGE" for over 5 years were said to use the following coping mechanisms:

Regular house and life de-cluttering

Cleaning almost religiously daily

Spoke to Dr's or mental health workers at least once a fortnight.

OR lastly turned to Tattoo's or piercing.

All whom had reached the 5 years were also able to identify their triggers (events before the urge)

They then either took steps to avoid them or better manage the triggers with support.

They also set up a support hand so to speak they had at least 5 names that they could go to for support or to sit with them until the urge passes.

These were mostly:

Family, friends, Teachers, Priests, Counselors.

If you are a family member or friend of a self harmer here are some tips that may be helpful:

1. Don’t growl or punish them this will only increase their desire.

2. Unless you honestly & sincerely feel they are trying to end their life do not monitor them 24/7, this will increase their feeling of no control over their lives.

3. Let them know that you are not judging them and remind them of the good qualities they have in them and the positive things they have going for them...

But the most important thing is letting them know that you are willing to communicate without judgment.

As a harmer myself this is my strongest tool i have.

Good Luck

Here is a direct Quote that may also help from DR Wayne Dyers:

HAVE A MIND THAT IS OPEN AND ATTACHED TO NOTHING"