Self Harm

Self harm is the act of intentionally harming one's own body, most commonly through cutting or burning oneself. It is typically an effort to cope with overwhelming emotion, such as feelings of intense emptiness, anger, anxiety or frustration. It is differentiated from socially acceptable cultural or artistic rituals or practices, such as tattooing or piercing (though there can be some overlap when there is a compulsive aspect to these behaviors).

Most who engage in self-injurious behaviors such as cutting describe a temporary sense of relief or calm, or a release of tension. This is usually short-lived, and is often followed by shame and guilt about the behavior, as well as the return of the painful emotions that underlie the self-injury. It is often done impulsively and may accompany a variety of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, borderline personality or dissociative disorders.

There is no single reason that explains why people engage in self-injurious behavior. The constellation of emotions that may trigger self-harm is complex. Generally there is an inability to cope in healthy ways with deep psychological pain, and self-harm provides a temporary sense of control over an otherwise uncontrollable situation. When one feels profound psychological emptiness, cutting and other forms of self-harm provide a way to feel something, even if it is physical pain. It is also a way to express one's distress and despair as a self-punishing act.

Some of the signs of self-harm may include fresh cuts and scratches, scarring (such as from burns or cuts), bruises, broken bones, keeping sharp objects readily available, isolation, wearing long sleeves or long pants in warm weather, and claiming to have frequent accidents. While the most common form of self-harm is cutting, other manifestations include burning, self-poisoning, overdosing, carving words or symbols into the skin, breaking bones, piercing the skin, head banging, pulling out hair, or disrupting the healing process. The behaviors are usually repetitive. While often an impulsive act triggered by upsetting events or feelings, it may also be a planned event inflicted in a controlled and systematic fashion.

Any sign of self-harm is indicative of deeper psychological issues and requires attention. While contributing to distress for both the patient and their family, it also poses a risk of more serious injury, disfigurement, infection, or even death. It can also be addictive and difficult for someone to control or discontinue on their own.

If you or your family member engage in any form of self harm or have thoughts of self harm, it is very important to seek professional help. Meridian Youth Treatment Center provides a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment where we will help determine the underlying dynamics behind the self harm, as well as instilling healthier ways to cope; behaviors that are more adaptive and won't leave permanent scarring. The first step, however, is to move past the shame (and not to shame or blame your family member) and to seek appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

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