Self-harm or the desire to harm yourself

Self-harm is a way to deal with problems, trying to express feelings that cannot be explained with words. At the same time, the aim is to release emotional pain. But for the person who self-harms, the painful feelings always return. He feels the need to hurt himself again, so it is necessary to find other ways to feel better without injuring himself.

It is a behavior, a escape valve, to express yourself and feel better. Personal injuries are the only way to cope with feelings such as sadness, hatred, guilt or anger. However, that little relief doesn’t last long. Additionally, the secrecy and guilt caused by self-harm affects their family and personal relationships.

Walsh (2006)defines self-harm as “self-inflicted injuries, with low lethality or little bodily harm intentionalof a socially unacceptable nature, carried out to reduce psychological distress“.

Different types of self-harm

The impulse to intentionally harm oneself can be carried out various wayssome of the most common are:

Burning, cutting, or scratching your skinPull out your hairHitting the head or any part of the bodyPiercing or inserting objects under the skinPreventing wounds from healingIngest toxic substances Performing high-risk behaviors or behaviors that involve harm to the body, such as: drinking excessively, driving recklessly, or taking any medication without precautions.Engrave words or symbols on your skin

Categories of self-harm behaviors

According to Simeon and Favazza, There are different categories of self-harming behaviors:

Stereotyped. They can range from minor to serious injuries. They are often driven by repetitive forces. They tend to be rhythmic and lack content.Greater. They involve suffering and severe psychological pathology. They can lead to amputation or castration.Compulsive. Repetitive, ritualistic. They are repeated several times a day.Impulsive. Tension before acting and relief after doing so. There is no suicide intention. There is worry and anxiety about harming oneself. He is impulsive and difficult to resist.

Possible causes of self-harm

There are various reasons why a person self-harms. But, generally, there is a hidden difficulty in facing challenging situations and processing emotional states. In this case, the person harms himself to:

Qoder to feel something, because you experience a feeling of emptiness or indifference inside. Show others that you need help.Release overwhelming feelings, such as anger, loneliness, hopelessness, guilt, self-hatred, confused sexuality, etc..Block traumatic memories.Feel like they are in control.Punishing themselves.

Triggering situations

For its part, it is pertinent to mention that People of all ages are at risk of self-harm.; and its onset is quite common in adolescence or early adulthood. However, self-injurious behavior tends to be more common in people who:

They suffer from a mental disorder, such as: depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and certain personality disorders.They were abused or went through a traumatic experience during childhood.They are addicted to drugs or alcohol.They have low self-esteem.They associate with other people who self-harmThey have life problems, such as having grown up in an unstable family, having experienced a traumatic event, having sexual identity problems (especially young people), being socially isolated, etc.

Possible signs of self-harm

Warning signs that a family member or friend is self-harming may include:

Unexplained injuries, bumps or burns, usually on the wrists, chest, arms and thighs. Blood stains on clothes or on the bed. Find among your belongings knives, needles, glass, and sharp or sharp objects.Suffering from frequent accidents, giving the excuse that they are clumsy or suffer many setbacks. Wearing long-sleeved shirts or long pants even in hot weather. These are usually people who like to be alone for a long time, locked up in the bathroom or bedroom, and people who suffer from isolation and irritability.

What does self-harm produce at an immediate level?

Although it is not an appropriate behavior, the person who carries it out may feel different sensations:

Feeling alive.Release endorphins.Reduce stress.Feeling of relaxation.Sleep.Clears the mind.

Although it seems that this behavior can bring something positive immediately, it must be added that under no circumstances should it be taken as a solution to any problem. There are many techniques to produce the same effects in the short term. For example, an intense sports session.

How to deal with self-harm

– trust someone and talk about what is happeningfear

– The second step is to seek professional help and not continue with the self-harm behavior. In this case, the assistance of a therapist will help understand the causes underlying this practice. To do this, it is very important to know how to recognize the triggers of self-harm, and to achieve this you must work on your emotional awareness.

– The third step is to find new coping techniquessuch as, for example, expressing pain and intense emotions, calming down, knowing how to disconnect and especially looking for techniques that help release tension.

How to help someone who self-harms?

If this is the case with a loved one, we know that their behavior may make you feel shocked or afraid. However, It is important not to judge his or her behavior and try to talk to him or her to understand what is happening.

In addition, It is important to suggest therapeutic assistance and help you in the search for professionals. of mental health.

If it is a child or adolescent, suggest that they talk to their parents, teacher or another trusted adult so that they can advise them on their problems and help them seek psychological assistance.

If this is your child, you can start by consulting with a pediatrician or other health care professional.; They can provide you with an initial evaluation or refer you to a mental health professional. In these cases, avoid yelling at him, accusing him, or threatening him for his behavior. What you need most is understanding and support to overcome your problem.

Professional treatment

The assistance of a mental health professional is essential to overcome this type of behavior. In this case, the specialist will help regulate our emotions and redirect harmful and maladaptive behavior.

In these cases, the mental health specialist can help the person by providing:

Coping and problem solving skills.Healthier and more adaptive ways of relating to others.Tools to strengthen self-esteem.Resources to face and manage intense emotions.

For its part, if the problem is severe, the person may need intensive and emergency treatment, either in a psychiatric hospital or in an institution that offers mental health programs.

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