Self harm -A sin?

[Londoner]

No. Self-harm is not a sin. It is very important to understand that. It is a manifestation of a mental illness. If you are self-harming it is presumably because you are suffering from an illness such as depression. Yes, do talk to a priest about it, as he may be able to help you, but this is not something for you to feel guilty about. You are not doing something bad; you are unwell.

You also need to seek help from somebody such as a doctor, nurse, or psychologist. It is very likely that you can be helped with medication and/or a talking therapy. Please do try to find a more positive and productive way of dealing with your current feelings of distress. Self-harm may feel like it helps you in the short term, but it is not addressing the underlying problems, and you also may well be causing yourself further mental distress by doing it, not to mention the risk that the scarring from serious self-harm is typically irreversible and cannot usually be treated.

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this, and I send you my very best wishes, but, really, this is something that you need to get help with from a professional person.

 

[Londoner]

First, you should be able to get confidential help without your parents needing to be told all the details. Secondly, while it is understandable that you do not want your parents to know about this, it may be better that they do. They will hopefully have your best interests at heart and will try to understand and do what they can to help you. Carrying this burden alone and continuing the secrecy is only going to make things worse for you.

 

[Izzy1]

Honestly I’m thankful to everyone who is helping me with advice but honestly I don’t want to talk to anyone…I just wanted to know about the religious aspect that’s all…not trying to be rude but that’s all I had asked for…thanks for ur help anyways

 

[GhostOfBBM]

I (personally) think mental health rather than sin is the appropriate lens to view this through. People typically do things like this in response to some mental health issues, which suggest they’re not really fully responsible for their actions.

You definitely need to seek help for it though.

 

[blackforest]

I haven’t engaged in self-harm such as cutting. But when I did go in to confess some horrible problems once, the priest told me that mental health issues are disorders, not sins. My penance was to get counseling . . . . best penance ever.

Thanks… honestly I’m not sure if I wanna confess it …I’m scared of the priests reaction…so idk

Allow me to reassure you that it is very hard to shock a priest! They’ve heard it all.