Individuals who self-injure may feel that doing so helps release pent-up feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness. But evidence finds that over time, those raw emotions—along with additional feelings of guilt and shame—will continue to be present, and may even worsen. In addition, self-harm can be dangerous in itself, even if the individual has no wish to cause themselves significant or long-lasting damage.
The roots of self-harming behavior are often found in early childhood trauma, including physical, verbal, or sexual abuse. It may also be an indication of other serious mental health issues that are independent of trauma, such as depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder. In some cases, self-harm that arises suddenly may be an attempt to regain control after a particularly disturbing experience, such as being assaulted or surviving another traumatic event.
Who is most likely to self-harm?
Self-harm occurs most often in teenagers and young adults; recent data found rates ranging from 6 to 14 percent for adolescent boys and 17 to 30 percent for girls. Adults, however, can and do engage in self-harm, particularly those with mental health conditions or a history of self-injury.
Do girls self-harm more than boys?
Although both boys and girls self-harm, the rate appears higher in girls; they also tend to start at an earlier age. However, some experts contend that the types of self-harming behaviors that boys are more likely to engage in—such as punching walls when angry—may not be reported as self-harm in large surveys.
Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm
It can be difficult to detect when someone is hurting themselves, because self-harm is often done in private and kept hidden out of shame and fear. Fresh cuts and scratches, bite marks, and burns can all be warnings of self-injury when they occur frequently. Other physical signs may include scars, bruises, and bald patches, particularly those that indicate a repeated pattern of harm.
Other, less obvious signs could include an individual who seems especially prone to accidents or who wears long sleeves or long pants even in hot weather; these behaviors may be attempts to disguise self-injury. People who self-harm may also show signs of depression or emotional unpredictability, such as making comments about their sense of hopelessness or worthlessness.
How can I tell if my teen is cutting?
Self-injurious behavior can be hard to detect, as it’s often done in secret or in areas that are easy to hide. Signs may include unexplained wounds or clusters of cuts; heavy use of wristbands, long-sleeve shirts (even during hot weather), or bandages; or heightened depression or anxiety.
Does self-harm cause pain?
Generally, yes. But recent neurobiological evidence suggests that those who self-harm have a higher pain threshold.
How to Stop Someone From Hurting Themselves
Anyone who is struggling with self-harm should, first and foremost, seek help. Most often, this is a therapist specialized in self-injury, who can help the individual understand the root causes of their behavior and practice healthier coping mechanisms.
Help can also come from friends, partners, or other trusted loved ones. When an individual experiences an urge to self-harm, talking about those feelings with a close other—even if self-harm isn’t discussed directly—can help mitigate the urge and help to make sense of difficult emotions.
For help for yourself or someone you know, please call to book an appointment online or in-person at 830-372-5980 or request an appointment at https://preciouslifesuicideprevention.org/book
Article Shared From https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-harm
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