Feb 22, 2024
Psychoanalytic
Drugs
Hospital stays
Self-harm, often referred to as nonsuicidal self-injury, is the deliberate infliction of harm on oneself, such as cutting or burning oneself. Suicide attempts are not usually planned. Self-harming in this way is a risky way to cope with stress, loss, anger, and other negative emotions.
While self-harming might provide momentary relief from psychological and physical stress, it is usually followed by shame and regret as well as the return of negative emotions. While most incidents of life-threatening injuries are accidental, there are instances of more severe or even fatal self-harm.
Getting the correct medical attention might help you learn more healthy coping techniques.
Self-harming behaviors rarely have simple or obvious causes. Self-harm can generally be brought on by:
The goal of self-harm can be:
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Symptoms of self-harm can include:
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Most cases of self-harm are done in secret. Usually, it is carried out in a controlled manner, or in the same way each time, forming a pattern on the skin. Examples of self-harm include:
The arms, legs, chest, and belly are the most prevalent areas where self-harm occurs. But any bodily part could be the target, sometimes using more than one method.
Many people give up after injuring themselves just once or twice. For others, on the other hand, self-harm becomes a more ingrained habit.
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While people of all ages can self-harm, teens and young adults are more likely to do so. Adolescence and the early teen years are commonly when self-harm begins because this is when emotional shifts occur quickly, frequently, and unpredictably. Along with loneliness and peer pressure, teens are also more prone to quarrel with their parents.
A few things can increase the likelihood of self-harm, including:
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While some people may ask for help, there are instances in which friends or relatives become aware of self-harm. On the other hand, a doctor performing a routine physical examination might find clues like scars or recent trauma.
There isn't a specific test to detect self-harm. A diagnosis is determined after a medical and psychological evaluation. You may be sent to a mental health professional who specializes in treating self-harm cases for assessment. This expert and you talk about your life, thoughts, feelings, and deeds.
A mental health professional may also evaluate you for depression or personality disorders, two other mental health conditions linked to self-harm.
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You must first tell someone about your self-harming behavior in order to get support. Your treatment plan will be based on your particular issues as well as any co-occurring mental health concerns (such as depression). Self-harm can become a major part of your life, therefore it's critical to get treatment from a mental health professional with experience in treating self-harm.
The treatment plan takes into account both the self-harming activity and any mental health conditions that may be related to it, such as depression or borderline personality disorder.
Here are further specifics about the therapies that are offered.
Psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy or psychiatric counseling, can help you with the following:
Several individual psychotherapy modalities may be helpful, such as:
Your practitioner may recommend group or family therapy in addition to individual treatment sessions.
No treatment is available to treat self-harm. Still, if your doctor diagnoses you with a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, you may be prescribed antidepressants or other drugs to treat the underlying illness that is linked to self-harm. Treatment for various conditions may reduce the impulse to injure oneself.
Your doctor may suggest that you be taken to a hospital for mental health therapy if you injure yourself severely or frequently. While you work through an issue, short-term treatment in a hospital may provide a safe environment and more focused medical attention. An alternative could be mental health day treatment programs that place a strong emphasis on teaching behavioral coping techniques to manage discomfort.
One cannot prevent someone from injuring oneself. Nonetheless, some strategies work with communities as well as individuals to reduce the risk of self-harm. Parents, relatives, coaches, friends, and school nurses can assist.
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Self-harm can cause the following complications:
Self-harm is not always a suicide attempt, but the mental health conditions that cause it can increase the likelihood of suicide. Furthermore, there may be a higher chance of suicide if a person tends to injure their body in trying circumstances.
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