How to Help a Loved One Who Self-Harms
Discovering that a loved one is engaging in self-harm can be both emotionally daunting and damaging. The good news is that there are many means, methods, and modalities that can help a loved one who self-harms.
What Exactly Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm affects more people than many may think. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Prevalence of self-harm is high, estimated at 17% in adolescents in a recent meta-analysis… While some self-harm is attempted suicide, there is increasing interest in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) – deliberately harming one’s body without any intent to end life. This delineation between suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm is controversial, with some considering the distinction valid but others arguing that suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm should not be separated, given that intent is often unclear, and many people engage in both.”
This delineation between self-harm and attempted suicide is important. This is especially true when one is looking for differences between the signs and symptoms of self-harm versus suicidal ideations.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm?
It is important to note that the signs and symptoms can be very dependent on the individual. However, there are some more universal signs and symptoms of self-harm. The following are just a few:
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Expressing feelings of anxiety and depression
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Covering up to hide evidence of self-harm
- Misusing alcohol and substances
- Experiencing comorbidities of mental illness
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Experiencing excessive mood swings
- Having uncharacteristic outbursts
- Experiencing trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
As one can see, these are significant symptoms, which is why if any, many, or all of these signs and symptoms are present, seeking professional help right away is vital. Doing so may mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How to Help a Loved One Who Self-Harms
It can feel overwhelming when it comes to getting a loved one help for self-harm. The key is to be open and honest with the individual. Generally, they will respect this more than someone who waffles about what to say. Many people who self-harm are also looking for help from others but do not know how to express it.
Another key to getting a loved one help for self-harm is to know an effective recovery center that has a focus on treating self-harm. The Phoenix Recovery Center is one of those facilities. We also offer many different modalities to treat self-harm.
Modalities to Treat Self-Harm
There are many ways to treat self-harm, but the primary way is to utilize psychotherapy to get to the underlying issues of self-harm. Specifically, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy that can be particularly effective.
CBT helps individuals deal with the negative way they view themselves and the world around them. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors… [T]hese maladaptive cognitions include general beliefs, or schemas, about the world, the self, and the future, giving rise to specific and automatic thoughts in particular situations. The basic model posits that therapeutic strategies to change these maladaptive cognitions lead to changes in emotional distress and problematic behaviors.”
CBT and other therapies are also essential for helping individuals maintain long-term recovery from self-harm. Also, working with other peers and professionals in recovery can be highly effective for long-term recovery.
How to Help a Loved One Who Self-Harms Maintain Long-Term Recovery
Self-harm relapse is a very serious issue. This is why staying connected to a recovery plan and recovery alumni groups can be so vital.
Helping a loved one maintain long-term recovery may also include connecting individuals with recovery groups that focus on self-harm. This includes meetings that can be found both in-person and online. Another way to maintain long-term recovery from self-harm is to maintain a connection to therapy and counseling.
Our Primary Purpose Is Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in getting at the underlying issues of self-harm for long-term success. We also focus on individualized and comprehensive recovery plans.
Our motto at the Phoenix Recovery Center is “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” That is what we call The Phoenix Recovery Center difference.
Recovery from self-harm is often complex and involved, but that does not mean that complete recovery is not only possible but plausible. Recovery is just over the horizon. The key is to go out there and get it.
It is important to know the warning signs and symptoms of self-harm (covering up, isolating, substance use, etc.) as well as the steps that can be taken to get a loved one the help that they need if you suspect that they are self-harming. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities to help someone get past their issues with self-harm. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental illness, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. For more information about how to recover from issues of self-harm, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
