If you or someone you love engages in self-injurious behavior, a mental illness could be the underlying cause. Finding the right help to stop self-harming and addressing any influential factors like mental illness or substance abuse is necessary since the individual lacks the impulse control to effectively stop themselves from continuing this behavior and hurting themselves.
Why Does Someone Self-Harm?
Self-harm, also referred to as self-mutilation, is the deliberate and intentional injury to body tissue to cause pain, bruising, or bleeding. The act of a person performing self-harming behaviors stems from a place of wanting to reduce their emotional pain, self-loathing, or frustration and is separate behavior from a suicide attempt. When a person participates in this behavior, it can release their emotional tension and make them feel a momentary calm; however, it will start a vicious cycle of shame from engaging in this behavior which adds to their already present emotional turmoil.
Types of Self-Harm
- Cutting
- Burning
- Scratching
- Skin-picking
- Hair-pulling
- Hitting or punching
- Intentional interference with wound healing
- Drinking toxic chemicals
Who Is Most At Risk and Other Warning Signs
Studies show that adolescents, particularly females, are most at risk for developing self-injurious behavior with external pressures from school, the media, and peers as potential causative factors for the emotional suffering tied to this behavior. Additionally, individuals with a history of sexual abuse, domestic abuse, emotional neglect, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders are increasingly likely to participate in self-harm.
Warning signs that someone you love is self-harming include:
- Hiding wounds through the use of clothing
- Noticeable wounds that can’t be easily explained
- Social isolation or spending long periods locked in a bedroom or bathroom
- Sharp objects in unusual, easy-to-access places
- Impulsive behavior
- Hopelessness
Realize that self-harm is a cry for help, and the mental health of the person displaying this behavior needs addressing. It can be difficult to notice the signs of self-harm, but doing so is critical to a person’s life and well-being. If you or someone you love is practicing self-harm, don’t hesitate to seek help and contact Avalon Malibu. At Avalon, we specialize in treating co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse. Although taking the first steps to get help can be scary, you will be under the care of our experienced staff, who are highly skilled in developing tailored treatment plans. Through our continuum of clinical and holistic treatment options, no part of a person’s needs goes unaddressed. With our help at Avalon, you can find a plan to help you get back to living a life of joy and connection. Call us today at (844) 857-5992.
