Aggression session
Question
I sometimes get so angry that I end up cutting myself. I don't want to harm myself but I don't know how else to express myself. What is wrong with me?
Answer
It sounds like you are going through a difficult time. It must be upsetting to feel you have no other way of expressing your anger other than by cutting yourself. However, please be reassured, there are ways of learning how to manage feelings of anger, and support is available to help people cope with self-harm.
Self-harm is often a way for people to deal with and get through difficult emotions or situations. Difficult feelings are quite often the reason why people self-harm; as a means of communicating what they cannot put into words or even into thoughts. It may also be a way of releasing painful emotions such as sadness, emptiness, guilt, fear - or anger, as you say. Since it's generally a private coping mechanism rather than attention seeking, it's possible that some people may feel ashamed and unable to admit to anyone what they are doing.
There are organisations that specialise in confidential support in this area. You might like to consider visiting the website of the National Self-Harm Network, an organisation providing support to people who self harm. Their website features a range of resources and also includes a message board. There is also The Bristol Crisis Centre for Women who have a national self-harm helpline. The telephone number is 0117 925 1119 (open Friday and Saturday evenings from 9pm-12.30am and 6pm-9pm Sundays).
It might also be worth considering making an appointment with your local doctor (GP) too. There may be certain underlying issues surrounding your feelings and behaviour, such as anxiety or depression. There are a number of ways of treating depression and anxiety - both with and without medication. Your doctor will be able to discuss the medical and talking treatment options available, such as antidepressants or cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
Your GP should also be able to refer you on to an appropriate counselling service or you could try contacting Youth Access if you wish to seek this form of support independently. Counselling may help you to work through any underlying issues triggering your anger and to work on managing it in ways that avoid cutting yourself.
You do not mention if you have spoken to anyone else about how angry you feel and the impact it is having on you. People do find that talking with trusted friends and family about their feelings can help them. This may also give friends and family a better insight into the situation, helping them to offer more effective support and understanding. But, this may seem hard and if you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents or friends, you might like to consider talking in confidence and without judgement to a volunteer at SANELINE on 0845 767 8000. The helpline is open 12 noon-11pm Monday to Friday and 12 noon-6pm at weekends and is available to anyone experiencing a mental health issue. You would be able to talk through the feelings and worries you have. There is also a discussion board on the SANE website.
Updated: 07/06/2011
Question answered by SANE
