Self-harm is when an individual hurts themselves and their bodies on purpose. It can begin in the teen or even early adult years and can vary in terms of severity and length of time it occurs.
It is a deeply personal and complex struggle that can be a sign of an underlying mental or emotional issue or distress. And nearly 17 percent of people in the U.S. will self-harm at some point in their lives.
Startling statistic, indeed. But help is available. Read on to learn for more about this important topic.
Understanding self-harm and the root cause
Self-harm can be difficult to understand for some, and the behaviors of self-harm can look different depending on a variety of factors, including age, life experiences and more.
Self-harm can be linked to trauma, trouble expressing emotions or feeling alone. Some who self-harm turn to it as a way to regulate difficult emotions. For some, it may offer a sense of relief in the short term as a way to avoid other feelings.
Signs of self-harm include:
- Cutting or piercing one’s own skin with a sharp device
- Punching or hitting oneself
- Burning oneself
- Breaking a bone or giving oneself bruises
Someone may be self-harming if you notice:
- Scars present on the body, sometimes in patterns
- Bruises, scratches, cuts and other wounds on the body
- Keeping sharp devices and objects nearby
- Wearing of long sleeves or pants to cover injuries
- Reports of accidental injuries
- Emotions that change quickly and that are intense or impulsive
- Talk or feelings of helplessness or worthlessness
Self-harm can be present at any age or life stage. And it is typically not about wanting to die, but rather, a coping mechanism that may make someone feel as if they are in control of how they feel.
It may also feel, in the short-term, like a release of tension or feelings of distress, loneliness, anger or sadness.
Fortunately, help is available.
Beyond stopping the harm
Seeking help for self-harm can be challenging as some may have trouble talking about it. But at Ann Arbor Therapy & Testing knows that treatment for self-harm goes further than simply stopping the act but getting to the root of the issue.
With a team of licensed and compassionate therapists who specialize in treating patients who self-harm, we can offer a safe space to listen and provide guidance and treatment plans to help.
Centered on validation and compassion, our focus is on identifying triggers and instilling healthy coping skills to replace harmful behaviors with healthier alternatives.
Each patient’s treatment plan is different and customized to their needs. It may include mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, journaling, talk therapy and stress management.
Treatment also addresses other present mental health issues like depression, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and more.
If you or someone you love is self-harming, you may feel isolated. But it’s important to know that you are not alone. And you can turn to Ann Arbor Therapy & Testing now.
We invite you to call today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you on your healing journey.