by Robert Bruton

Created on: October 23, 2009   Last Updated: October 26, 2009

Imagine a life where the despair that plagues your mind is so great, you're only relief can be found hurting your own body. From children to adults this is sometimes a way of life. That despair clouds the life of a loved one so much they hurt themselves to try and find peace.

For those who do not suffer from such despair should count their blessings. Unfortunately, people who do not suffer such pain can only find judgment and contempt for such an act. Parents completely freak out over a child's ability to hurt themselves.

The act of self harm is really a cry out for help. A person who engages in self harm has no mechanism in place to assist them through these bouts of depression that run so incredibly deep and black. With seemingly no hope available to draw any relief. One simply cuts or harms themselves in a host of terrible ways. The sufferer hopes to find some peace through the pain. A deeper look is a cry out for help.

Those left to deal with this behavior have an obligation to not condemn the act. Just because some have the ability to deal with depression and conflict, there are those that simply don't have the interpersonal tools to cope. However, these tools can be learned!

Very obviously professional help is required to assist. Taking on these issues does require some knowledge and expertise. Check your community for possible support groups, pastoral counseling centers or mental health professionals. The act of self harm can be dealt with and through some life skill training and eliminated.

This is a scary and painful problem. It mirrors a suicide attempt and very frankly if not dealt with properly and swiftly. It could very easily see a person in distress take their own life. Depression is a terribly powerful enemy. It's not a weakness! Depression is a formidable adversary that if left unchecked can cause a lifetime of misery and pain.

Self harm is just one component of depression which comes at you in many forms. The person who suffers so deeply to only find relief in cutting needs only to learn the skills necessary to cope with the issue at hand that pains a loved one. This is not the end of the world and with a little help and education the person who suffers can find the skills to deal with life.

This article is intended to educate you in the fact that there is hope and help. Utilize the Internet to do your homework and find help in your local area. You will be sadly surprised at the number of people who suffer and engage in this activity. So you are not alone and help is available. Don't run from this problem or simply sweep it under the rug. It won't go away on its own, but it will go away with help!

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