Understanding Self-Harm and What It Is
There may be nothing more concerning than discovering that a loved one is hurting themself. This discovery often brings up an array of questions, with the primary one being, “Why would they do this to themself?” By understanding self-harm, this question and all of the others can be better answered.
Better Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm (also known as “nonsuicidal self-injury”) has a relatively straightforward definition. According to the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, “NSSI refers to the intentional destruction of one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned. Common examples include cutting, burning, scratching, and banging or hitting, and most people who self-injure have used multiple methods.” Also, “Because NSSI is typically associated with emotional and psychiatric distress, and because NSSI increases the risk for suicide, it is crucial to establish accurate conceptual and clinical models of this behavior.”
This is one of the arguments within the professional community. Some professionals argue that self-harm and attempted suicide should be categorized together, while others argue that they are distinctly separate actions. However, what is not argued is whether or not self-harm is dangerous and from what sources it often derives.
Better Understanding Self-Harm and Mental Illness
Self-harm has long been associated with mental health issues because it is often a characteristic (or symptom) of many mental illnesses. These include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other personality and mood disorders.
According to the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, “Psychiatric illnesses carry a greatly increased risk of self-harm as well as of suicide.” Also, “Psychiatric illnesses, especially depression, anxiety, and alcohol misuse disorders, are well-known risk factors for self-harm. Associations between physical illness and self-harm are less well established, particularly in young people.” This shows that self-harm quite clearly comes from mental and emotional illnesses and disturbances. Also, as the journal mentioned, self-harming behaviors can be a side effect of alcohol and substance use disorder (SUD).
Better Understanding Self-Harm and Addiction
Many people struggling with addiction engage in self-harm. This is often because the emotions they feel associated with their active addiction are overwhelming and this feels like a solution to quell those feelings. Self-harm may also be a way for individuals to show others that they need help (this may be consciously or subconsciously).
Some people also feel that self-harm is an addiction in itself. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Psychiatry Research, “NSSI [non-suicidal self-injury] has also been viewed as an addictive behavior. Early work described a wide range of self-harm behaviors as addictive because they were both ‘coercive’ and ‘relieving’. Faye [an early researcher] presented a theoretical rationale for conceptualizing NSSI as an addictive behavior; specifically, she suggested that the increase in negative emotions prior to NSSI is analogous to the aversive withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug users.”
Regardless of whether self-harm derives from mental illness or addiction, or is the behavioral addiction itself, what matters is that it is addressed as soon as possible. Doing so can literally be the difference between life and death.
Common Myths About Self-Harm
Self-harm is often misunderstood, and several myths surround it. For instance, many believe that self-harm is always a suicide attempt, but this is not necessarily the case. Others may think that only teenagers or people with certain personalities engage in self-harm, but it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Addressing these myths is crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging those affected to seek help.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms and Alternatives to Self-Harm
There are several healthy coping mechanisms that can serve as alternatives to self-harm. Techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, physical activity, and seeking social support can be effective ways to manage overwhelming emotions. These methods not only help in the moment but also contribute to long-term emotional resilience and well-being.
How to Help Someone Who Self-Harms
If you know someone who is self-harming, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and care. Avoid judgmental language and instead, offer your support by listening and encouraging them to seek professional help. It’s also helpful to educate yourself about self-harm so you can better understand what your loved one is going through. Prompt intervention can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
Treating Self-Harm
When someone is endangering themself or others, it is always recommended that they be placed somewhere where they can receive 24/7 support and oversight. This will ensure that the self-harm doesn’t get worse or potentially become a suicide attempt.
Self-harm is often treated with a combination of therapy and medication (the latter being very specific to the causes of the self-harm). The therapy that is generally used is psychotherapy (also known as “talk” therapy). These therapies might include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Further, these therapies can help get to the underlying issues that are often the cause of self-harming behavior.
Medication may be used if the self-harm is associated with untreated mental illness or if an individual needs medication management for something like opioid use disorder (OUD). This medication must be monitored by professionals very closely because someone with self-harming tendencies may also attempt to self-harm using medications. These medications may be temporary or used in the long-term depending on the diagnosis and the efficacy of the medication.
Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Many people who struggle with self-harm also struggle with feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and a lack of self-love. This emptiness is what is trying to be filled when an individual engages in self-harm.
At The Phoenix Recovery Center, we understand how painful this emptiness can feel. This is why we create recovery plans that both address one’s issues but also bring joy back into one’s life.
We understand that people who self-harm are in dire need of love. This is why we always say “We offer our clients the love they deserve until they learn to love themselves once again.” No one should have to recover alone. At The Phoenix Recovery Center, no one does.
Self-harm is more common than many people may think. There are also many different types of self-harm, and it is more prevalent among certain populations (young people, for example). The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help people overcome their issues with self-harm. If you feel like you or a loved one are engaging in self-harm due to addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about self-harm and self-harm recovery, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
