Artcard by Mika Orolfo
*Content Warning: This article mentions topics such as self-harm, self-injury, and traumatic experiences. Reader’s discretion is advised.
In a crowded room, amidst the sea of faces on a busy street, or even in a train full of people on their way to live their own lives. Just once, have you ever paused to truly see the individuals around you? Have you ever pondered the life they're living and the reason behind their expressions?
As we struggle to keep up with this fast-paced world, it’s easy to be deceived by what we can only see – the masks people wear to conceal their innermost thoughts and feelings. The truth is, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. Behind closed doors and in moments of solitude, there may be someone struggling with their inner demons, someone quietly fighting the voices that keep them at night, and someone yearning for connection and understanding.
Today, on Self Injury Awareness Day, we come together to recognize the strength and courage of those who have once walked through the shadows of self-harm and to shine light on their journey to healing and recovery. Self-injury is a multifaceted issue that a lot of people go through. For some, it serves as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions. For others, a way to get rid of traumatic experiences. Regardless of the reason, it is important that we approach the issue with understanding and never with judgment. Instead of focusing on making the behavior stop, we should focus on understanding where the behavior is coming from.
For years, self-injury has constantly been stigmatized, making it more difficult for individuals who struggle with it. Shaming a person for it only adds various barriers for someone to seek help about it when there should’ve been none in the first place. Today, we eliminate these stigmas.
Hand in hand, let us create a community that is united in empathy and compassion. By recognizing and supporting each other without judgment, let us build an inclusive society. On this Self-Injury Awareness Day and even beyond this day, let us stand in solidarity and break down the barriers of stigma and shame. Let us embrace each other with kindness and promote healing for those in their journey towards recovery.
Remember, healing is not a linear journey. It consists of paths of twists and turns. But through it all, let us offer our support to those who walk this path.
