MONICA LEE
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​SELF INFLICTED


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full length 

NOTE: This free version of Self Inflicted is available for individual use. Educational Institutions, Clinics, Hospitals, and Rehabilitation Programs in English speaking countries: please purchase "Self Inflicted" through Human Relations Media where you will also receive a teacher’s resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format. 

synopsis

Self Inflicted is the product of three years of research and work devoted to unravelling the stigma surrounding Non Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI), a practice used by many to cope with emotional distress.  It follows the stories of three people who have all used NSSI to cope with suffering in their life; some for a year or less, and some for over 25 years. Dr. Janis Whitlock, director of the research program for self injury and recovery at Cornell University, offers her compassionate insight on suffering and the different ways in which we cope, pleading us to accept ourselves and each other as we are, while focusing on recovery.  Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Director of Clinical Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill explores the psychology behind NSSI and why it works for some individuals, while advocating for adaptive coping strategies. Dr. Susan Bodnar-Deren, Assistant Professor of Sociology at VCU breaks down the stigma behind NSSI and mental illness: why we choose to distance ourselves from that which we find different and disturbing.  Narrated with beautiful poetry, captivating imagery and a powerful score, Self Inflicted is one of the most compelling pieces on NSSI today.
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Winner - Bronze Telly. Outstanding Achievement: General Education

reviews

As Janis, Alex, and Judy explain the situations and the emotions that made them injure themselves by cutting, punching, or burning, a picture of the adolescent self-harmer begins to merge. Experts in the field also weigh in with reasons that people engage in NSSI, chief among them being the quick relief that physical harm brings them from intense emotional and psychological pain and anxiety.While we mostly associate NSSI with young adults, Self Inflicted wisely includes the example of Shelly—a 42 year old woman who has been self-harming for 28 years. Her story is poignant and a bit shocking, and points to the addictive nature of this disorder. Families of self-harmers are also brought in to explore their reactions, as well as ways they can help the self-harmer try to manage emotions in a healthier way than physical injury.

The experts in the film do a good job of describing the intense symptoms that self-harmers feel and they explain a little about what happens the brain to cause a physical outlet for emotional pain. They point out that there is very little, if any, research being conducted into NSSI. Self Inflicted is a good beginning for high school level through junior college health and psychology courses exploring this anomalous condition.  
- Lori Widzinski, Educational Media Reviews Online
The interviews featured in this video put faces and personalities on a taboo subject, making this an excellent resource.
- Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA 


production

Director/Producer: Monica Zinn
Writer/Editor: Monica Zinn, Michael Potter
Directors of Photography: Michael Potter, Lauren Kristin, Monica Zinn
Production Assistants: Megan Zinn, Kyle Zinn, Brian Rose, Natalie Luti. 
Post Production Assistants: Sean Gray, Allie Haines, Natalie Luti, Michael Rogers
Music: Paul Zimmermann (composer) Orla Conway (original composition "Hunter" and "Look Up"), Andrew Napier (original composition - "Glow")

promotion

Graphic Designer: Connor Gillette
Social Media Interns: Sean Gray, Allie Haines
Misc: Terry Kristin, Catherine Rippetoe, Tracy Ta

starring

Dr. Janis Whitlock, Ph.D., MPH - Director of the Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery - Cornell University
View Transcript 
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​Check out Dr. Whitlock's NSSI Training Non-Suicidal Self Injury 101, an eight hour course designed to help clinicians better understand NSSI and how to treat patients who exhibit this behavior. 

Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D.-

Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Psychology - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
View Transcript
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Dr. Susan Bodnar-Deren, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Sociology - Virginia Commonwealth University
View Transcript
© COPYRIGHT 2023 MONICA LEE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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