Unbelievably, more people than you might expect to suffer from self-harm. The temptation to self-harm is not uncommon, although people usually keep it a secret, especially teenagers or young adults. Regardless of the duration of self-harming activity, mental health best outcomes and supportive care are paramount.
What Is Self-Harm?
When you intentionally hurt yourself, it's called self-harm. Self-harming behavior refers to any deliberate, non-suicidal action that inflicts physical harm to oneself. It's important to note that self-harm is typically not a suicide attempt but rather a way for some individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions, distress, or difficult life situations. Self-harm can take many forms, including:
Cutting or scratching: This is one of the most common forms of self-harm, where individuals intentionally cut or scratch their skin with sharp objects.
Burning: Some people may burn themselves with cigarettes, lighters, or other hot objects as a way to cope with emotional pain.
Hitting or punching oneself: This can involve hitting or punching one's body, head, or other body parts as a way to express or cope with intense emotions.
Hair pulling (trichotillomania): Trichotillomania is a condition characterized by recurrent pulling out of one's hair, often resulting in noticeable hair loss.
Biting: Biting oneself, particularly the hands or arms, can be a form of self-harm for some individuals.
Why do people self-harm?
Often extreme stress/anxiety, or trauma is the cause for self-harming behaviors. The intensity of various life stressors including family dysfunction, bullying, and physical/emotional abuse can build such that a person is tempted to injure themselves in an attempt to release the pressure. The reasons why certain persons self-harm can differ greatly from those of others. In young people the following are triggers or causes that commonly cause them to self-harm:
family problems
disagreements or issues among friends/peers
pressures at school (ie academic performance or social pressure)
mistreatment
sadness
fear
low opinion of oneself
shifts and adjustments, including transferring schools.
use of drugs and alcohol.
Shame
What To Do When Someone Self-Harms:
Acknowledge and validate the person is hurting
Don’t judge
Listen
Get help. Call the crisis hotline at 602-222-9444,or go to the ER or local behavioral health hospital.
Always remember to treat the person that has self harmed with compassion and understanding.