Self-harm: What It Is and How to Help.

September 9, 2022

Self-harm: What It Is and How to Help.

By Vanessa Gonzalez

Unfortunately, on television, it's not uncommon to see a character of a teenager who seems a little down. But then, it's shown briefly that the teen had several cuts along their arm, and the audience understands right away. Self-harm is often kept a secret, yet we all somewhat know what it is. So let's explore more of what self-harm is and how it is much more common than the archetypal teen displayed on tv. Warning: it can be upsetting and potentially triggering to read information about how to self-harm. If you feel vulnerable now, you might not want to read the information below.

What is Self Harm?

Self-harm or self-injury is described as hurting oneself on purpose and affecting anyone. Commonly, one will use a sharp object. However, if someone deliberately hurts themselves, it's classified as self-harm. It is any behavior that causes self-injury, regardless of the behavior or high risk it is. It can affect anyone

Types of self-harm include:

• cutting • overeating or undereating • excessive exercise• biting yourself • picking or scratching at your skin • Pick at scabs and not allow wounds to heal• burning your skin • misusing substances • pulling your hair out

If you hurt yourself or think about harming yourself, it's a sign of emotional distress. Self-harm is typically used as a coping mechanism. The uncomfortable emotions may continue to grow as the individual continues to utilize this maladaptive behavior because the issue being Hurting yourself—or thinking about hurting yourself—is a sign of emotional distress. These uncomfortable emotions may grow more intense if a person continues to use self-harm as a coping mechanism.

Self-harm may also lead to feelings of shame. Frequent self-harm can lead to scars, and it also takes a lot of time and energy to heal the wounds properly. Also, it can take time away from doing other things because so much time may be spent on hiding scars or avoiding social situations for the shame of scars being seen.

It's also essential to distinguish self-harm from suicide. Self-harm is not the same as attempting suicide. However, that does not mean that self-harm should not be taken lightly. If someone engages in self-harm, they may have an increased risk of suicide.

Again, self-harm isn't the same as attempting suicide. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously. If someone is hurting themself, they may be at an increased risk of feeling suicidal. So, finding other coping mechanisms to deal with these complicated underlying feelings is important.

Treatment

Luckily, there are many effective coping mechanisms to help manage emotions and learn different skills rather than harming oneself.It’s important to reach out to a trusted friend, adult, or medical professional. Reaching out for help is the first step. A licensed mental health professional can do a full diagnostic interview to get very in-depth information to build a specified treatment plan. Depending on the underlying issues and severity, medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist or doctor.

What to do when someone you know self-harms

Maybe you have a loved one who had frequent injuries. You may notice they wear long sleeves or long pants, even when it's extremely hot out. They may be trying to hide the injury. Maybe you hear them say things that put themselves down, or they show signs of emotional distress. It's essential to approach the individual and let them know you are here for them.

Ask them how they are doing and expect the unexpected. You have no idea what that person will say, so be prepared to be uncomfortable.

Validate that person, and don't dismiss their emotions or belittle their experience. Instead, let them know that while you may not understand, you are there to help them. Encourage them to get support and treatment.

This topic can be very uncomfortable. However, self-harm can be life threatening and should never be taken lightly. Help is out there. Sometimes, after telling someone, you may feel worse. But remember, that's completely normal. Don't fear someone else's reaction. Get the help you need, and sharing this can take the pressure off and get you the proper support and help available.

@junocounseling