4 forms of self-harm

Self-harm is a way of harming ourselves. In general, self-harm is done intentionally as a way to relieve a certain emotional state. However, with regard to psychological self-harm, the person may not be aware of its use.

Although self-harm is one of the forms of self-harm (and even the most serious), self-harm can take various forms that the person may not realize. The truth is that this mechanism to alleviate discomfort constitutes another long-term problem, which is why it is necessary to seek professional help.

What is self-harm?

Paradoxically, self-harm is one of the ways to relieve emotional discomfort and suffering. In general terms, self-harm is a behavior that encompasses a purpose and is the momentary relief of discomfort.

Self-harm usually occurs especially in young women. One of the most frequent products of these self-harms is self-harm. In these cases, the average age is estimated between women of 20-29 years..

Purgative behaviors exist, or can come together. The latter can generate confusion in the professional, confusing its topographic characteristics with certain eating disorders. In this type of behavior there is usually intentionality, since they are used for the momentary relief of suffering.

Why do they occur?

To answer this question we would need to carry out an individualized functional analysis adjusted to the circumstances of each person. In any case, we could say that it constitutes a “self-defensive failure”: a method to protect oneself from external aggression and stress, using self-harm as an unsuccessful coping strategy.

Depending on the person’s experience, there may be several, although they do not necessarily have to be the case. It must be taken into account that self-harm is a learned form of behavior and that it is reinforced depending on the consequences, whatever they may be.

Associated psychological disorders

Some forms of self-harm, such as self-harm, are consistent with some psychological disorders. Some of these forms are preceded by some experiences in childhood, which may well be traumatic or play an important role in the present circumstances.

Bullying in adolescents can be one of the causes and one of the reasons why self-aggressive behavior can begin in the form of injuries. Feelings of emptiness, the feeling of isolation and abandonment can develop an emotional spiral in which if there is a certain predisposition to the use of this type of behavior, they can be used as a method of relief.

Some of the psychological disorders associated with severe forms of self-harm can be borderline personality disorder. However, other disorders that involve intense emotional escalation can also constitute other risk factors, such as bipolar disorder, some anxiety disorders, autism, etc.

4 forms of self-harm

The forms of self-harm, as explained above, They vary from one person to another. In this section we make a brief classification of the possible forms that can occur:

Verbal self-harm: They can come in thought forms such as self-reproaches, shame, guilt, etc. In this case, it is also common for the thought to be hostile, that is, in the form of boredom and devaluation of oneself.Self-mutilation: wounds that the person causes to himself as an emotional discharge. In this way, the person can find a certain momentary liberation with himself and with reality. In some cases, these self-harm are focused as a certain form of “purification” on some issue in which the person feels guilty. Self-aggressive stereotypies: it is more common in syndromes such as autism and other disorders related to development. They are characterized by voluntary, repetitive and stereotyped movements such as swinging. These self-harms usually take the form of headbutting, hitting the wall, scratching, etc.Substance abuse and eating disorders: The boundaries between self-mutilation and this type of behavior are quite blurred and, in fact, they share certain characteristics. This is the case, for example, of self-harm in resonance with eating disorders, not to mention substance abuse.

While self-harm can take many forms, self-harm is one of its most dangerous forms. The start of psychological treatment is essential for the prevention of this type of behavior. that reverse a certain danger for the same individual and his environment.

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