A Necessary Pain: A Literature Review of Young People's Experiences of Self-Harm. (17th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindgren, Britt-Marie; Wikander, Tove; Neyra Marklund, Isabel; Molin, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 43:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 154
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2022-02-17
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1948640
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Self-harm is defined as intentional self-injury without the wish to die. People who self-harm report feeling poorly treated by healthcare professionals, and nurses wish to know how best to respond to and care for them. Increased understanding of the meaning of self-harm can help nurses collaborate with young people who self-harm to achieve positive healthcare outcomes for them. Aim: This review aimed to synthesise qualitative research on young peoples' experiences of living with self-harm. Method: A literature search in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO resulted in the inclusion of 10 qualitative articles that were subjected to metasynthesis. Results: The results show that young people's experiences of living with self-harm are multifaceted and felt to be a necessary pain. They used self-harm to make life manageable, reporting it provided relief, security, and a way to control overwhelming feelings. They suffered from feeling addicted to self-harm and from shame, guilt, and self-punishment. They felt alienated, lonely, and judged by people around them, from whom they tried to hide their real feelings. Instead of words, they used their wounds and scars as a cry for help. Conclusion: Young people who harm themselves view self-harm as a necessary pain; they suffer, but rarely get the help they need. Further research is necessary to learn how to offer these people the help they need.