LemonadeJoy
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76 votesLemonadeJoy
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43 votesLemonadeJoy
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This one is tricky. With self-harm some of the risk in calling it a bad guy comes in the win/lose mindset. If winning means not self-harming and losing means self-harming, this could actually lead to a stronger sense of failure when one engages in self-harm, thus perpetuating the cycle. With that being said, it is nice to be reminded of all the times that I don't engage, in comparison with the times when I do use it to cope. In this way I can celebrate all the times I show myself love and compassion instead of harming myself, and when I do engage in self-harm, I can look at how many times I didn't and be reminded that I'm doing okay.
But that's after years of recovery from the hardcore daily addiction. After years of building resilience through healthier coping strategies. Early on when I was first quitting "losing" against this bad guy would have sent me into an "I give up, self-harm is my reality, no sense trying to fight it" tail spin.
Perhaps a harm reduction focused power pack with generalized language related to coping with addictions would be helpful. One that reminds us that "losing" doesn't mean we're back at square one and maybe has power ups to encourage harm reduction, self-compassion, and reaching out for help. And maybe a bad guy could be the shame monster that keeps us locked in shame and secrecy because of stigmas.
I think some of the more specific harm reduction strategies might be better manually added, because they are so individualized. Also, adding your own also gives you more power to choose who knows what the bad guys are all about - code names are great for this. :) For me it's easier if only a few people know when I'm struggling with it, because I wouldn't want all of my allies responding every time I engage in self-harm. I want to be able to approach them and say, "I need help." Rather than having them approach me and say, "I'm so worried." Do you know what I mean?