In this revised, expanded, and compelling second edition, the author steps beyond the wounds and scars of self-injury to listen to the words of women and men who engage in the practice. She reproduces personal testimonies and creative works of individuals trapped in the self-injury and food misuse cycle, those who support them, and people who have stopped self-injuring - as well as draws on research data and the latest developments in the field.
It's a perplexing phenomenon with many names - self-injury, self-harm, self-mutilation, self-inflicted violence, self-cutting, and self-abuse to name some. Those who come across it - family members, friends, supporters - and many professionals - struggle to understand why people do it, and find the behaviour disturbing and puzzling. Recent reports imply that it is reaching 'epidemic proportions,' particularly among young people. Furthermore, research suggests that it is a frequent companion to eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and dissociative disorders. Those caught in its clutches claim that it is difficult to stop due to its highly addictive nature, or say they are reluctant to try because it helps them 'feel better,' 'more in control,' 'more real,' or simply 'it keeps them alive.'
It is a book of hope, healing, courage, and enlightenment - not just for those who self-injure or self-harm and their supporters, it is a must-read for everyone concerned with the growing issue of self-injury - that should be all of us.
About the Author:
Jan Sutton is an experienced counsellor, trainer, and author of several books covering self-harm,counselling skills, and stress management. Passionate about the subject of self-injury, she has devoted many years to studying the phenomenon