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To raise awareness on self-harm, the Gordon College – Office of Student Welfare and Services (GC-OSWS), in collaboration with GC – Guidance Counseling Unit (GC-GCU), conducted the “Nature of Self-Harm: Awareness, Compassion, and Prevention” seminar last March 13 at the Function Hall, GC – Main Building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graced by Resource Speaker Erin RiegodeDios Asio, a Master of Arts in Education Major in Behavioral Sciences graduate, the seminar featured how Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), also known as self-harm, is different from suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Asio, self-harm is a way of coping intense feelings by hurting oneself on purpose. The intention of doing self-harm is to feel alive and escape emotional pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, she stated that self-harm used to be listed as a symptom of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a pervasive disorder that affects the whole personality. Most people who self-harm do not have BPD, but people who have BPD may have these tendencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The seminar went further and discussed the different types of self-harm: cutting, burning, and hitting. If NSSI is done occasionally, there is a risk of making an unintentional mistake that could lead to accidental death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asio explained the phases of taking action when someone is afflicted with self-harm. Where the first phase is listening to someone when they open up about hurting themselves. Then, offer support toward counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then followed by the causes, myths, and how to cope with self-harm in a healthy way. She also told students that they should check up on each other afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The keynote speaker also underscored the importance of promoting a stigma-free, healthy, and supportive environment within the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students are welcome at the GCU office for free counseling services to those struggling with their mental health. | via Jasmine Zeah Llagas\/The FOREFRONT<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photos by Lheeon Owen Dela Rosa and Marian Sualibio<\/p>\n\n\n\n