TeenHelp - is slapping yourself self harm?

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crotia

October 5th 2014 10:42 AM

is slapping yourself self harm?

Hey,

I really started self harming last may.
But recently I realised that maybe I'm doing it much longer.
Because for quite some time now I give myself a bitch slap when I need to get my ass moving and stop being lazy as a way to motivate myself. But it doesn't leave bruises. Is this too self harm?

Ennui.

October 5th 2014 08:19 PM

Re: is slapping yourself self harm?

I think that this could be self-harm because you are inflicting pain upon yourself in order to "get yourself moving" which could be seen as a punishment. Even though it doesn't leave bruises, you are inflicting pain, and hitting is a form of self harm.

Perhaps you can find other motivators to get yourself moving, such as telling yourself you will reward yourself after you get something done. For instance, treat yourself to your favorite goodies or that movie you have been wanting to see as a reward, rather than slapping.

DeletedAccount63

October 5th 2014 08:43 PM

Re: is slapping yourself self harm?

I personally see it as self-harm because you are inflicting pain on yourself because you aren't doing what you want to be doing. I don't know how else to explain it.

I think you should find healthier ways to get yourself motivated.

Storyteller.

October 5th 2014 10:42 PM

Re: is slapping yourself self harm?

Hey.

It depends on your definition of 'self harm'. Some people would say yes because it's still pain (ie harm) but some would say no because it doesn't cause any lasting damage.

Personally, I think the definition matters less than the motivation. If you're doing it because of some negative emotion or negative feeling toward yourself, then it might be time to find a replacement. By physically acting on those feelings you give the feelings more power, and you reinforce that negativity you feel about yourself. Instead, try to find more positive ways to motivate yourself, because bullying yourself isn't the best way to go about it.

Good luck, and take care.

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