Self-injury Awareness Day

Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD) (also known as Self-Harm Awareness Day) is a grassroots annual global awareness event / campaign on March 1,[1][2] where on this day, and in the weeks leading up to it and after, some people choose to be more open about their own self-harm, and awareness organizations make special efforts to raise awareness about self-harm and self-injury. Some people wear an orange awareness ribbon, write "LOVE" on their arms, draw a butterfly on their wrists in awareness of "the Butterfly Project" wristband or beaded bracelet to encourage awareness of self-harm.[3] The goal of the people who observe SIAD is to break down the common stereotypes surrounding self-harm and to educate medical professionals about the condition.[4]

The orange ribbon of self-harm awareness

Background

Depression and self-harm often go hand-in-hand, though there are many other reasons people self-harm. As many as two million Americans currently engage in self-harm, with methods like cutting, burning, scratching, bruising, and hitting themselves. It’s said that these behaviors promote feelings of control and help relieve tension, while helping the person express their emotions and escape the numbness that accompanies depression.

SIAD was created to spread awareness and understanding of self-injury,[2] which is often misrepresented and misunderstood in the mainstream. Those who self-harm are often left feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help because they fear they will be seen as "crazy".[5]

Participating organizations

Organizations involved in SIAD include:

  • Sociedad Internacional de Autolesión
  • LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support)
  • Self-Injury Foundation
  • YoungMinds
  • ChildLine
  • The Mix[6]
  • Adolescent Self-Injury Foundation
  • cars for hope

See also

References
  1. "SIAD: Self Injury Awareness Day: LifeSIGNS". Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  2. Shally-Jensen, Michael (2010-12-22). Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues [4 volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 1141. ISBN 978-0-313-39205-4.
  3. "FirstSigns VO :: SIAD :: Self Injury Awareness Day". Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2010.
  4. Martinson, Deb. "National Self-Injury Awareness Day". American Self Harm Information Clearinghouse. Archived from the original on 24 August 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2010.
  5. "Self-Injury Awareness Booklet". LifeSIGNS. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  6. "Self-Harm Awareness Day". The Mix. Retrieved 2020-03-03.
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