FOR THE NATIONAL SELF-HARM HOTLINE
SUBMITTED BY ELIZABETH PHILLIPS FOR PRL2180
U.S. News & World Report defines nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) as “the direct, deliberate damage of one’s body without the intention of suicide, and for purposes that aren’t socially sanctioned.” Nationally, 15% to 20% of people have a history of self-harm. However, this behavior is most common in adolescents and young adults with the introductory age being 13 years old. Although self-injury can be presented in multiple ways, it is used to reduce or numb feelings that they aren’t equipped to deal with. The Journal of Youth and Adolescence states that these are generally feelings of “depression, anxiety, or stress; self-hatred and anger; self-punishment; loneliness or alienation.” It’s important to note that self-harm isn’t necessarily a suicide attempt, but rather a way people try to deal with crises in their life.
At the National Self-Harm Hotline, we are dedicated to supporting those who are experiencing these difficult emotions, by confidentially giving them better coping mechanisms. We provide free and effective counseling to enforce the idea that injury can be a temporary relief, but there are healthier long-term remedies out there.
We encourage you to help us give hope to the hopeless. We receive roughly 125,000 calls each year, and a mist of COVID-19’s isolation policy, we are bracing to receive many more. Your donation will not only allow us to expand the amount of calls we can take but also give our counselors, staff and volunteers the proper training on how to help those dealing with self-injury through positive reinforcement. You can help be a part of the support system for these struggling individuals. Together, we can show them how to get help and deal with their emotions before the self-harm escalates to an irreversible decision.
Donations can be made at support.boystown.org/donation or by check at 14100 Crawford St.
Boys Town, NE 68010. Visit our website boystown.org for further information.
We are here to show that someone is always there to offer support. We look forward to your aid in making that a reality.
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