self-harm
Self-harm is the intentional, direct injuring of one’s own body. This can also be known as self-mutilation and self-injury.
Self-harm behavior can occur at any age, but is most common in adolescence & young adulthood (usually between the ages of 12 & 24). It is generally associated with a history of trauma and abuse (including emotional and sexual abuse).
Self-harm behavior can occur at any age, but is most common in adolescence & young adulthood (usually between the ages of 12 & 24). It is generally associated with a history of trauma and abuse (including emotional and sexual abuse).
Symptoms:
- Cutting, stabbing, or severely scratching the skin with a sharp object
- Burning or scalding the body
- Bruising, hitting, or banging the head
- Throwing the body against walls or hard objects
- Sticking objects into the skin
- Intentionally preventing wounds from healing
- Swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects
- Hair-pulling
- Knowingly abusing over-the-counter or prescription drugs
- Abusing alcohol
- Forms of self-harm related to anorexia or bulimia
risk factors:
Not every individual who self-harms does so for the same reasons.
Some of the reasons reported as self-harm triggers include:
Some of the reasons reported as self-harm triggers include:
- Difficulties at home
- Bullying
- Problems with friends
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Low self-esteem
- Life transitions, like changing schools
- Alcohol/Drug use
Warning signs:
Self-injuring is usually done in secret and on parts of the body that are easily concealed, making it difficult to detect.
However, certain indicators may include:
However, certain indicators may include:
- Unexplained wounds or scars
- Blood stains on clothes, towels, or bedding, or blood-soaked tissues
- Sharp objects or cutting instruments in the person's belongings
- Frequent "accidents" explaining away injuries
- Covering up the body with long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather
- Being alone for long periods of time
- Isolation and irritability
treatment:
Finding a therapist can help with finding new coping techniques and address the root of the self-harm behavior. Database to find mental health professionals: Therapist Directory
Strategies to help resist the urge to self-harm:
TO DISTRACT:
TO EXPRESS PAIN:
TO RELEASE PHYSICAL TENSION:
TO SUBSTITUTE THE CUTTING SENSATION:
Strategies to help resist the urge to self-harm:
TO DISTRACT:
- Call a friend
- Take a shower (remove razors beforehand)
- Go for a walk, run, bike ride, or dance
- Play with a pet
- Listen to music
- Breathing exercises
- Yoga exercises
TO EXPRESS PAIN:
- Draw or paint with red ink on white paper
- Write out the hurt and anger using pen and paper
- Write songs or poetry to express the feelings
- Listen to music that expresses how you feel
TO RELEASE PHYSICAL TENSION:
- Exercise
- Rip up paper
- Squeeze a stress ball, handful of clay, or Play-Doh
TO SUBSTITUTE THE CUTTING SENSATION:
- Rub an ice cube on the skin
- Wear a rubber band on the wrist and snap it gently
- Draw on the skin with a red, soft-tipped marker in the places you would normally injure
support:
If you believe someone you know is self-harming:
If you are self-harming:
Find help: S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
Helpline: 1-800-366-8288
- Do not judge
- Address your own feelings
- Learn about the problem and try to understand why they are self-harming
- Offer support, not an ultimatum or punishment
- Encourage communication
If you are self-harming:
- Confide in someone
- Focus on your feelings
- Give the person time to process
- Identify your self-harm triggers
- Find new coping techniques
Find help: S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
Helpline: 1-800-366-8288
sources:
HelpGuide: www.helpguide.org
Mental Health Foundation: mentalhealth.org.uk
Teens Health: kidshealth.org
Mental Health Foundation: mentalhealth.org.uk
Teens Health: kidshealth.org