National Self-Injury Awareness Day: signs to look for, ways to cope
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Besides being the first of the month, March 1st serves as an opportunity to let your loved ones know they're valued.
It's Self-Injury Awareness Day.
Kenza Haddock, clinical director at Oceanic Counseling in Myrtle Beach, told ABC15 that one in five teens and young adults engage in self-harming behavior.
She also explained that cases have only gone up at her clinic during the pandemic.
"Any time there is stress, people get triggered, and they use unhealthy coping skills," Haddock said. "So it's good to stay on the front end of stuff and help people with coping skills, just in case they get triggered."
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Haddock recommends journaling and working out as possible coping skills for self-harm.
Signs of self-injury include multiple scaring, burn marks, and someone having sharp objects in their room.
She says if you know someone engaging in self-harming behavior you should react with compassion instead of anger, and encourage them to seek professional help.
For more on the services offering by Oceanic Counseling, click here.
