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In the case of self-harm, an individual starts hurting themselves without context. It isn’t a suicidal attempt but can be a way for individuals to cope up with their emotional distress. Unable to express their thoughts/feelings openly, peer pressure, anxiety, depression, etc., are some common signs that indicate the onset of self-harm. One can observe it preliminary in cases when the individual transitions from childhood to adolescence. If you are looking for treatment options, consult experienced professionals at Cadabams Hospital and expedite your recovery process.
Self-harm behaviour is defined as any form of self destructive behaviour that one engages in such as cutting, burning, excessive body piercing, tattooing, head banging on the wall or any hard object/surface. Unconscious behaviours such as hair pulling or pulling at skin, reopening wounds are also considered self-harming behaviours.
The exact reasons that lead one to engage in self-harming behaviours can’t be found out all the time. Individuals of any age, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or even religion are susceptible to such behaviours. However, there are certain background causes that lead to this.
For instance, individuals with a history of sexual abuse, physcial or psychological turmoil are more likely to engage in self destructive behaviours such as cutting wrists, banging heads, willingly injuring themselves, etc.
Individuals with a track record of substance abuse, and those who are suffering from OCD, and eating disorders are also highly prone to self-harming disorder. Individuals who lack family support or an external support network to express their feelings may also engage in such behaviours. Low self esteem, relationship problems, poor cognitive performance in daily life are also some of the reasons of self-harming behaviour.
It is quite obvious that individuals with self-harming tendencies need help from their near and dear ones as well as from mental health professionals. However, it is equally unlikely that they will come forward to seek the assistance. At such a juncture, family and friends have to stay vigilant for the tell-tale signs of extreme depression and self-harming behaviours. Here are some of the warning signs to watch out for.
Warning Signs of Self harm
How can you help someone who is depressed and may be on their way to feeling there is no help? Remember these simple things in mind to help someone who is showing self harming behavior.
If you feel the person isn’t in immediate danger, you can say things like, “I can tell you’re really hurt”, and “I care about you and will do my best to help you.”
Then follow through – help them find a mental health professional. Getting counseling is crucial for the most high risk and severe risk cases. Be by their side when they make that first phone call, or go along with them to their first appointment. It’s not a good idea to leave it up to a person to get help on their own. Being supportive can mean so much to the one who’s in pain.
It is important that you continue on with your support over the duration. Don’t start supporting them then let it dwindle off and stop. The warning signs of suicide may return and no one will be there to notice.
Apart from the above, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and medications can also be considered as potential preventive/treatment measures for discouraging self-harming behaviours.
At Cadabams, we ensure that you and your loved ones get the treatment you need and deserve. Our team of psychiatrists is an expert in psychosocial rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy that has proven to be highly effective in alleviating the symptoms of self-harming disorder.
We have over two decades of expertise in handling the most complex and severe self-harming-related challenges. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, physicians work round the clock and are with you every step of the way. We offer world-class evidence-based treatment.
Cadabams is widely trusted by various healthcare experts to help individuals suffering from self-harming disorders varying in the extent of severity. It is a comfortable facility where individuals are treated with attention, love, care, and concern. We offer an exclusive range of solutions and treatments based on the condition and issues faced by an individual.
Call us on our mental health helpline +91 96111 94949 for further details.
Disclaimer – We strive to treat our patients with dignity and the utmost sensitivity. We understand that self-harming is not a sign of weakness. We don’t use any term in a derogatory fashion but to remain relevant to user search trends and common usage. In case you or a loved share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabams.org
Yes, certain studies cite that self-harming behaviour can be addictive like drug addiction or substance abuse addiction. Individuals often engage in self-harming to release their pent-up frustrations, endorphins and stimulate their body’s endogenous opioid system.
They tend to engage in constant self-harm and may feel less painful over time and may increase one’s pain tolerance. So, this explains the repetitive and cyclic urge to repeat self-harming behaviors after periods of cessation.
The self-harming tendencies vary from individual to individual. While some may resort to pulling at hair or skin, which are considered mild symptoms, some may resort to cutting wrists or banging heads, which can be more fatal.
However, self-harming does not necessarily lead to suicide. Individuals often tend to harm themselves just to get a temporary respite from the mental trauma they are suffering from or as a way to punish themselves for the supposedly negative act they have performed. However, all self-harming behaviours may not lead to suicide.