Self-Harm and Skin Picking on the Internet

In this day and age, many people turn to the Internet for answers, including looking for answers on skin picking and self-harm on the Internet. If there are websites and articles that can give you the knowledge you are seeking, why not take advantage of it? It is very easy to grab a hold of answers with the click of the button and to be able to have this kind of power can be thrilling. However, it is important to make sure that the power you hold is positive when it comes to self-harm and skin picking on the Internet.

For those in the mental health world, the Internet can serve as a helpful tool or a deadly weapon. It can be very beneficial and provide positive guidance for those struggling with addiction. However, it can also sway people towards websites that support the negative behaviors they are doing – such as self-harm and skin picking. When it comes to those specific outlets, it shows how destructive certain realms of the web can be.

Similar to HealthyPlace, there are many websites that provide knowledgeable information regarding the struggle or illness you are going through. When I had just begun recovering from self-harm, I ventured to many different sites to read stories about self-harm recovery. I discovered many helpful blogs that allowed me to feel as if I wasn’t alone on my recovery. It was reassuring knowing there were people who had been in my shoes, had experienced fallbacks, but had made it to a life free of self-harm.

Searching Skin Picking and Self-Harm Photographs on the Internet

Recently I did something that is definitely on the “Con” list: I Googled pictures of skin picking on the Internet. While I would usually never support people searching pictures of self-harm, this time was different. I’m still struggling with picking my skin and just when I feel like the habit has gone away (I see it as a habit), I find myself right back at it. The other night, I searched excoriation disorder (skin picking disorder) and the pictures didn’t make me want to pick more (like they do to many), they absolutely disgusted me.

Many who search pictures of self-harm on the Internet often feel intrigued, almost encouraged, to mimic what they see. Some who self-harm will specifically search for pictures to trigger them towards unsafe behaviors. I will rarely support someone who self-harms to look at these kinds of photos, but if it will help stop the addiction, it is different.

Unlike 10 years ago when I’d curiously look at pictures of self-harm then cut soon after, looking at pictures of skin picking made me angry and embarrassed. This may be because I don’t often realize I’m picking my skin when I am and it’s an act I’ve been struggling with since before I started and stopped self-harm.

Pros and Cons of Self-Harm and Skin Picking on the Internet

Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of searching self-harm and skin picking on the Internet:

• Pros: There are millions of helpful websites and blogs that support self-harm, skin picking recovery and can help guide you in a positive direction.
• Cons: You have access to unsafe images and discussions that support self-injurious behaviors and can trigger self-harm, skin picking.

Think before you click. Search for self-harm, skin picking on the Internet for support and guidance.

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.