Self Harm and Cutting (Jamaica)

When people intentionally injure their bodies generally by scratching or using sharp objects to secretly cut along their arms, stomach or legs, it’s called cutting. Sometimes people will burn themselves, and often the injuries leave scars on the skin, which the person tries to hide under clothing. People who self-harm do this to control or feel relief from psychological pain, such as rage, grief, sorrow, loneliness, rejection or emptiness. Often these feelings are so intense, that the physical act of cutting or self-harm provides release although it can also bring shame and guilt for having hurt oneself. People who self-harm often start in their early to mid-teens.

Cutting or self-harm is not a healthy way to cope or manage one’s feelings, and it is extremely important that people get help with the underlying causes of self-injury to find lasting relief. Getting help can be very difficult for people who cut or self-harm. While the act of inflicting the injury can make a person feel some short-term release, it is often followed by feelings of intense guilt, shame and the desire to keep their self-harm secret from everyone else. Young people may want to isolate themselves and may not disclose that they are self-harming. But if a young person discloses that they are self-harming, school counselors, educators and social workers must immediately report this and make sure district protocols are followed to get the student professional help. In this case, it is important to let the student know that you will work with them to get the support they need.

Resources

SafeSpot
Children and youth can talk free, confidentially and anonymously with a trained counsellor by calling or texting SafeSpot, Jamaica’s national child and teen helpline at 888-723-3776 or 876-439-5199.

U-Matter
Youth can chat free, confidentially and anonymously with a trained U-Matter counsellor by texting the word SUPPORT to U-Report at 876-838-4897 on WhatsApp and SMS (free texts for Flow customers); or @ureportjamaica on Instagram or Facebook Messenger.