What Are the Warning Signs of a Self-Harm Relapse?
Many people who have not experienced self-harm personally or via a friend or family member have a hard time understanding why it happens. They can become even more perplexed when it comes to a self-harm relapse. “Why would someone want to harm themselves, especially after they have been through treatment before?” This is the insidious nature of self-harm – if not vigilant, it can resurface, even in recovery.
Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm is more complex than just hurting oneself. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Self-harm refers to when a person hurts their own body on purpose… A person who self-harms usually does not mean to kill themselves, but they are at higher risk of attempting suicide and dying by suicide if they do not get help.” Also, “For many people, self-harm gives them a sense of relief and is used as a means to cope with a problem.”
While anyone can struggle with self-harm, self-harm tends to start in younger people and continues without some type of effective intervention. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Pediatrics, “This behavior [self-harm] appears to increase across development and affects many youth. In community samples, 7.7% of early adolescents reported engaging in NSSI [nonsuicidal self-injury] and 13.9% to 21.4% of high school adolescents reported NSSI. In college-age samples, rates of NSSI can be as high as 38%. Research with clinical samples shows even higher rates of ∼40%.” These types of statistics are emblematic of why recognizing the warning signs of self-harm is so crucial.
The Warning Signs of Self-Harm
There are many warning signs of self-harm. Despite what many people may think, they are not all visible. The following are just a few of those warning signs:
- The unusual covering up one’s body to hide cutting or burning (wearing a turtleneck in summer for example)
- Trouble sleeping and eating
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Using alcohol and substances as coping mechanisms
- Appearing anxious, nervous, or depressed
- Expressing thoughts of suicide
These warning signs can be particularly dangerous. This is why seeking professional help as soon as possible is highly recommended.
Understanding Self-Harm Relapse
A self-harm relapse is when someone begins to self-harm again after going through treatment and addressing their issues. Generally, someone who has been treated for self-harm will have gone through a full assessment to try and get to the underlying issues related to their self-harm.
These underlying issues tend to be emotional and may be related to issues of mental illness or addiction. Once these underlying issues are identified then they can be addressed and worked through. Often this is done with some type of psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). If certain types of mental illness are present, pharmacology may also be used. Lastly, many people who struggle with self-harm find it useful to go to group therapy and/or connect to a recovery community that focuses directly on self-harm.
Self-harm relapse can happen when an individual no longer keeps up with their recovery plan. They may stop going to psychotherapy, taking their medication, or connecting with others. An individual may also experience an emotional “trigger” (such as being rejected in a relationship or losing a loved one) that may bring about a self-harm relapse.
The Warning Signs of a Self-Harm Relapse
Many of the signs of a self-harm relapse are similar to signs of initial self-harm. However, some warning signs are unique to a self-harm relapse.
- Isolating away from friends and family
- No longer engaging in therapy or counseling
- Stopping medication
- Ignoring responsibilities
- Expressing that treatment didn’t work
Recovering From a Self-Harm Relapse
The good news is that a self-harm relapse does not have to be the end of recovery. It is just a sign that more help is needed.
The key is to get help as soon as signs of a self-help relapse start happening. This might mean reaching out to their therapist or making sure that they continue taking their medication.
It may also mean connecting to a new recovery center. Sometimes a new perspective on treatment and recovery is what an individual needs to establish long-term recovery. The important point is to never lose hope.
The Phoenix Difference at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we “Empower individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.” That is the Phoenix difference.
Yes, a self-harm relapse can be scary. The key is to reach back out for help as soon as a relapse happens. There is a solution. We can help make it happen.
Relapses often don’t just happen “overnight.” There is generally a buildup that starts with some “triggers” and emotional instability. This is why it is vital to spot a potential self-harm relapse in a loved one before it happens. This includes seeing them isolate themselves, stop engaging in therapy, and become more agitated than usual (mood swings). If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of self-harm related to mental illness or addiction, we can help get you on the right track to long-term recovery. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about how to avoid a self-harm relapse, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
