By Isa Riano, Advertisement Manager
Trigger Warning: The content in this article may be emotionally challenging. If you feel uncomfortable about self-harm, you may want to skip some of the article’s content. If you experience feelings of harming yourself, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Self-Harm Awareness Month is in March, and Saint Leo University faculty would like to raise awareness on this sensitive yet essential topic. Follow along to learn what resources are available for students who need support.
According to Emma Manley, the assistant director of counseling services, self-harm involves causing deliberate damage to oneself beyond culturally acceptable practices.
Self-harm can take the form of many things, and some might be often looked over. There are a few alarming ways in which a person can harm themselves.
“There are different types of self-harm, such as scratching, pulling hair, burning, and so on,” said Manley.
Self-harm is an all-encompassing term and can also be emotional. It takes a toll on both mental and physical health.
“It includes expecting the worst to happen to one’s life, taking poor care of oneself, and internalizing conflicted emotions,” said Manley.
When it comes to college students, self-harm is a common concern. According to Manley, a study conducted in 2020 found that around 25 percent of college students engage in self-harm. Some reasons that they use it as a coping mechanism include low self-esteem and depression.
However, according to Manley, it can be challenging to address this hidden epidemic. In severe cases, it can turn into a dangerous habit that affects both physical and mental health. Moreover, more people who harm themselves do so privately to avoid judgment.
The counseling services staff wants to remind students that they are not alone. Moreover, there are campus resources for students seeking healthy ways to manage their emotions.
The Counseling and Prevention Center is on the second floor of the Wellness Center. Students can schedule an appointment by emailing counseling@saintleo.edu.
If a student has an injury, they can schedule an appointment with the Health Center to avoid infection. To do so, they can call (352) 588-8347 or email health.center@saintleo.edu.
As a college community, we must strive to support each other. According to Manley, the best way to help a friend or loved one who engages in self-harm is to avoid judging them and offer them an open ear. Often, those who struggle with depression understand if they do not have all the answers but appreciate having an empathetic listener.
With March almost ending, let’s take the time to support our community and get informed on this silent epidemic.
