Self-harm: what is behind this behavior?

A razor, scissors, or even your own fingernails can be used to self-inflict pain. These self-harms are for many the escape route from emotional pain. A way to fill the void. But, above all, they are also the translation of poorly managed psychological discomfort.

The first question that comes to mind When we see those marks, some recent but others attesting to the chronicity of a terrible self-harm practice, it is because. Why would anyone want to intentionally hurt themselves? Sometimes they are cuts, other times they are burns, and sometimes they are the result of scratching in order to produce a wound.

The psychopathology behind self-harm

The answer to this question is complex. Firstly, because, although a large part of the population affected by this disorder is young patients, adults also show it much more than we initially believe. At the same time, we cannot ignore a growing and alarming phenomenon. The impact that self-harm has on social networks. In addition to the great contagion power they have in adolescents.

Furthermore, in the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” self-injury is considered a disorder with its own entity. That is, with its own origin, course, evolution and symptoms. Of course, taking into account that It can occur comorbidly with other disorders. Such as mood, anxiety, food, etc.

For their part, González, RB, & Álvarez, BG (2012) tell us that in the American Psychiatric Association, we contemplate the “non-suicidal self-harm disorder“. And that defines it as a strategy where pain serves as catharsis to relieve negative emotions. Such as, for example, the feeling of loneliness, emptiness, isolation. Also, to distract attention from other problems, to reduce feelings of Rage. Or, on the contrary, release tension or control certain kinds of thoughts.

Self-harm, the wrong way to escape emotional pain

Something that many experts question regarding the clinical definition that has been given to this disorder is whether we are really dealing with non-suicidal behavior. It is known, for example, that between 50 and 70% of people who self-harm have attempted or will attempt suicide at some point in their life cycle. The goal in itself of these cuts, these burns or lacerations may not be to take one’s life, it is clear, but behind this behavior there is a thought and a psychological discomfort that, at some point, can take a bad turn.

We know, however, that each case is unique, that Each person has their own and exceptional characteristics, But above all, we sensed that self-harm is the tip of the iceberg, it is just the roof of a hidden and increasingly intense social phenomenon to which we should all be more sensitive. The authorities and social organizations, for their part, should also be more attentive and more interested in finding out what is behind all this.

A way to avoid feeling

“When I get the cut, the stress and bad vibes end, so I relax”. This phrase is the most repeated by adolescents between 12 and 18 years old who practice cutting or self-harm. This form of self-sabotage and self-destruction is a poor adaptation to stress or life’s challenges. and whether we like it or not, it is almost the same behavior of an addict who seeks to consume to “forget.”

Although it is true that these wounds are only epidermal cuts and that these young people – for the most part – They do not present any borderline personality disorder, many of them do present emotional, relational, school problems, and low self-esteem. and a clear rejection of their body image.

On the other hand, although there are professionals who believe that many times what there is is a way to “draw attention” or to show others the internal discomfort, it must be said that we are facing a much deeper problem and that, as we have pointed out, It also affects the adult population.

How to address self-harming behaviors

Marcos is 56 years old. He is a professional with a very stressful work life and something very specific draws attention to him: in summer he always wears long sleeves, he takes great care that the button on his wrist never comes off. If he ever rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, a whole map of horizontal wounds, old marks and some new ones would be revealed.

Marcos is an example of a good part of the adult population. In fact, according to the Universities of Oxford, Manchester and Leeds, for every 100,000 inhabitants there are 65 adults who self-harm.. This data is of great relevance, because it has also been demonstrated that the risk of suicide is very high in these cases. If we ask ourselves now what is behind these behaviors, the answer is simple:

Intense and persistent negative emotionsHigh self-criticismA great difficulty when expressing and managing one’s own emotions.

What’s behind self-harm

Addressing self-injury disorder involves first knowing what is behind this behavior. There may be covert disorders (eating disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders…). They are realities that only professionals will be able to determine.

In many cases, hospital admission is recommended. However, this option should be the last option. Especially when suicidal thoughts or behaviors already appear. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in these cases. It reduces both self-harm and suicidal cognitions and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

On the other hand, family therapies, group dynamics, therapies based on mindfulness or even dialectical behavioral therapy help tolerate distress and frustration. Also, to regulate emotions and improve relationships with others. Therefore, they are usually very positive approaches to addressing the issue of self-harm. Let us therefore look for more useful, sensitive and reasonable solutions to the pain of life.

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