Breaking Stigma and Building Support on Self-Injury Awareness Day
An issue which is often misunderstood, leaving those affected feeling alone and afraid to seek help. It should also be a time for businesses to reflect on how to prioritise mental health in the workplace to combat stigma and provide vital support for employees. Here, we highlight the crucial role of mental health training in reducing the shame often associated with self-harm, fighting misconceptions and building better workplace environments.
Why Is Training So Important
The biggest impact mental health training has when it comes to self-harm is reducing stigma and shame.
Research from the Samaritans indicates that 90% of people who have self-harmed fear others will think less of them if they knew. This highlights the urgent need for workplaces to create an environment of understanding and support.
Training teaches individuals not just how to have empathy and compassion, but how to show it in a way that is received by those who need it most. This can significantly reduce the fear of judgment and stigma that many individuals struggling with self-harm experience.
What Are The Most Impactful Forms of Training in This Area
Mental Health First Aid is a prime resource in this area, designed to equip trainees to respond to self-harm incidents or concerns in a way that promotes empathy and understanding. By increasing awareness and knowledge of self-harm, mental health first aiders can help to dismantle harmful misconceptions.
Mental health awareness training, as well as dedicated webinars or training sessions on the topic, can also be particularly helpful in building general knowledge surrounding this area.
Self-harm is often misunderstood, and too many people focus on the act itself rather than recognising it as a coping mechanism. Instead of asking ‘why do you self-harm?’ — which can trigger feelings of shame — training encourages asking ‘what is it you’re trying to cope with?’ This subtle shift can make all the difference in opening up a meaningful conversation.
