How to Stay Clean From Self-Harm
The act of self-harm is about much more than the act itself; rather, it has to do with underlying issues. The underlying issues can also make it difficult to “stay clean” from self-harm. The good news is there are many ways that one can do so. The key is to stay active and engaged in the recovery process.
Better Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm refers to the intentional act of harming oneself. According to the Industrial Psychiatry Journal, “Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is defined as ‘intentional self-poisoning or self-injury irrespective of the type of motive or the extent of suicidal intent, is one important predictor of completed suicide.’ A similar term nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) which simply refers to self-injury without the intent of suicide.” Also, “The term NSSI is used more in the American subcontinent and is included as conditions for further study in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition.”
Self-harm can also affect people from all walks of life. However, some more risk factors can make it more likely for individuals to commit self-harm. This includes people who have experienced trauma and those who struggle with mental illness or alcohol and/or substance addiction.
What Causes Self-Harm?
The causes of self-harm are closely related to the causes of suicidal ideations. 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…”
The causes of self-harm are also often closely related to issues within family dynamics. This is why the family can be so crucial in helping loved ones stay clean from self-harm. However, to do so, they must be able to spot the signs and symptoms of self-harm.
The Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm
It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of self-harm are often very individualized. However, there are some more universal signs and symptoms. The following are some (but certainly not all) of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Struggling to manage anxiety and depression
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Covering up signs of cuts and/or burns
- Misusing alcohol and/or substances
- Struggling with uncharacteristic outbursts and mood swings
- Expressing suicidal ideations
- Not eating or overeating
- Having trouble sleeping, including sleeping too much or not sleeping enough (insomnia)
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
As one can see, these are serious signs and symptoms. So, if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so may mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
Recovering From Self-Harm
Recovering from self-harm takes a lot of acceptance and action. It also involves connecting with different modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy. Nature immersion therapy can be highly beneficial for people struggling to stay clean from self-harm.
Interacting with nature also offers many other benefits for recovery. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning… While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).”
Long-Term Recovery: How to Stay Clean From Self-Harm
Staying clean from self-harm also takes connecting with recovery peers who also have shared experiences. This connection is important both in the recovery center as well as after one leaves the recovery center doors.
Many recovery meetings focus on staying clean from self-harm. These include recovery meetings that take place both in-person and online. Another way to stay connected to one’s self-harm recovery is to join and participate in a recovery center alumni support group.
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
The iconic American poet, Walt Whitman, famously said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” This is the type of mentality one needs to stay clean from self-harm.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” We also believe in recovery for all, because we believe everyone has a right to recover who wants it. There is hope and help. The key is to reach out and accept it.
For those in recovery, it is important to avoid falling back into self-harm (a self-harm relapse). However, if one does happen, it is also important to know why a self-harm relapse may have occurred (by identifying “triggers”) and know how to “stay clean” from self-harm in the future. The key is to stay connected and keep growing in recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the path to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about how to avoid a self-harm relapse, please call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
