Now I know some may say “oh by that logic then it’s not okay to use that trend for SH” but self harm acts like an addiction. It affects your brain the difference is that a self harm “addiction” is a behavioural addiction rather than a substance addiction. It acts in the same way as an addiction as many professionals note it as having emotional triggers and urges that can cause a relapse. In-fact UKAT the UK Addiction Treatment service states

“Studies suggest similarities between self-harm and addiction, noting emotional triggers, strong urges, and criteria overlap with substance dependence. However, unlike substance use, self-harm is primarily perpetuated by negative reinforcement, and its recurrence is better explained by emotional processes rather than addiction mechanisms.”

Self harm is an issue whether we can count it as an addiction or not.

I simply dislike this full trend due to the fact that it can make people take addictions less serious, an addiction is not a quirky thing, it’s an illness that affects you and the people around you.

Mental health matters, whether you’re an addict, suicidal, or just struggling. Reach out to someone.