Self Harm and Art Therapy
Hello Everyone!
I’d like to start off by thanking you guys for the amount of support you’ve given us! Your participation brings us one step closer to ending the stigma around mental illness.
The first of March was National Self Harm Awareness Day. In honor of this, I’d like to discuss and hopefully educate everyone on the topic of self injury.
Even in our incredibly modern and developed society, self harm is a taboo. Many of us are familiar with the the media’s display of “cutting.” Sadly, this is only one of the many different types of injury that can result from intense emotions such as frustration, anger, and depression.
Self harm is classified as purposefully hurting yourself. Although the term “self harm” is not a mental illness in itself, it is commonly found in conjunction with illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. NAMI has written an amazingly informative article discussing self harm further (in terms of treatment and signs) here.
It’s important to realize that self harming behaviors can affect anyone. In fact, studies show that self injury affects a nearly equal amount of males as it does females. Read more about the signs and treatment options here.
If you do find yourself engaging in self harming behavior, know that you’re not alone. Although it is still a taboo, I encourage you to speak out and get help. You will most definitely be met with open arms by the counseling center and us!
Self harm is a scary thing. If you are a friend or family member of someone who engages in self injury, know that it’s okay to feel a bit taken aback. There are processes to take that can help you cope with the situation and learn how to offer support. Start with educating yourself. Find common reasons why people self harm and what you can do to help. Simply asking them how they feel and being there to listen can help immensely.
Art therapy is actually a popular form of treatment for self harm. Huffington Post published a very informative interview about art therapy here. The interviewee, Tally Tripp, explains the connection between the two: "Sometimes I will recommend a soothing art activity for 'homework' such as working in an art coloring book or journal, that can assist with a person feeling grounded and safe. Art can soothe anxiety and help with re-focusing attention to something more positive and less destructive than a suicidal plan."
It’s not uncommon for people to use art as a means for relaxing. In fact, art therapy has been around since the 1940s. Many of us have seen the very trendy adult coloring books. Although there is some debate on whether or not coloring pages count as art therapy, they have been proven to help people unwind and detach from life’s all but forgiving stress. Let’s be honest here, not all of us are gifted in the arts. Interestingly enough, coloring pages are generally calming exercises for people of all skill levels (yes, even those of you that have only recently acquired the stick figure drawing skill.) The relaxation actually comes from being able to switch off and focus on simple and repetitive movements. And it doesn’t hurt to see the masterpiece afterwards!
Art therapy allows people to visually depict what they have trouble expressing verbally. Creating a piece gives people the chance to have a moment to reflect on their thoughts. Every work made has a deeper meaning the the artist.
According to Psychology Today, art therapy has five main effects: perception and self perception, personal integration, emotion and impulse regulation, behavior change, and insight and comprehension.
Perception and self perception is similar to mindfulness, in which the person is able to focus on the present by paying full attention to the task at hand: creating beautiful and meaningful art.
Personal integration allows the participant to visualize what they're feeling and reflect on those thoughts.
Emotion and impulse regulation seems to be an almost direct effect from any therapy, this one included. The goal of getting help is being able to get a saddle on the mental illness itself.
Behavior change is the development of a more positive mindset about yourself and others.
Insight and comprehension allows the person to understand their mental health on a deeper level.
The website has further information about this list, along with some referenced studies.
More about the history of art therapy and studies proving its effects here.
Additional Resources and Articles to check out:
National Suicide Prevention Life-line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line - text START to 741-741
Disaster Distress Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Vet Center Call Center 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387)
UTD Counseling Center After-Hours Helpline 972-UTD-TALK (883-8255)
Don't forget to check out our new shirts! Long sleeves? Check. Pretty (or...*cough* super manly) blue? Check. The most amazing design ever? CHECK!
Order them online here.
I know what you're thinking: "This is all great, but HOW and WHEN can I get involved??" Have no fear! Below is a list of our upcoming events the we'd love you to come to.
More information about these events will be heading your way very soon.
As always, thank you so much for your support!
May the force be with you.
Picture found here.
