Overview
Self-injury, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury, is the act of intentionally harming oneself, such as cutting or burning oneself. It is typically not a suicide attempt but a way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger, and stress. While self-injury may provide temporary relief, it is often followed by guilt, shame, and a return of painful emotions. It is essential to seek proper treatment to learn healthier ways to cope with emotions.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of self-injury may include scars, often in patterns; fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, or other wounds; excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn; keeping sharp objects or other items used for self-injury on hand; wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide self-injury; frequent reports of accidental injury; difficulties in relationships with others; behaviors and emotions that change quickly and are impulsive, intense, and unexpected; talk of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing self-injury include having friends who self-injure, experiencing past traumatic events, questioning personal or sexual identity, social isolation, mental health issues like borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders, alcohol or drug use, and growing up in an unstable family environment. Teenagers and young adults are most likely to self-injure, and self-injury often starts during the preteen or early teen years when emotional changes happen quickly and unexpectedly.
Development
There are several reasons why self-injury may develop. Some of the factors contributing to its development include:
- Poor coping skills: Individuals may resort to self-injury as a way to cope with stress and emotional pain when they lack effective coping strategies.
- Difficulty managing emotions: Struggling to control, express, or understand emotions can lead to self-injury. A complex mix of emotions, such as worthlessness, loneliness, guilt, and self-hatred, can trigger self-injury.
- Alcohol or drug use: Substance abuse can increase the risk of self-injury.
- Peer pressure, loneliness, and conflicts with authority figures: Adolescents and young adults are more likely to engage in self-injury during times of emotional and social transition, such as the preteen or early teen years.
- Bullying or questions about sexual identity: These experiences can contribute to the emotional mix that may lead to self-injury. It's important to note that self-injury is not caused by a single factor, but rather results from a complex interplay of emotional, psychological, and environmental factors.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if self-injury is suspected. If you or someone you know is injuring themselves, even in a minor way, or if there are thoughts of harming oneself, it's important to reach out for help. Any form of self-injury is a sign of bigger stressors that need attention. A health care provider can do an initial evaluation or make a referral to a mental health professional to help address the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of self-injury include worsening feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, infection from wounds or sharing tools, permanent scars or harm to the body, worsening of underlying issues and conditions if not properly treated, severe injury that could possibly lead to death, and increased risk of suicide due to the emotional problems that trigger self-injury. It is important to seek proper treatment to learn healthier ways to cope with emotional pain.
Prevention
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent self-injury, reducing the risk of self-injury involves strategies that involve both individuals and communities. Parents, family members, teachers, school nurses, coaches, or friends can help. Encouraging supportive social networks, raising awareness, and teaching healthy coping skills can improve the situation. If you or someone you know is engaging in self-injury, it is important to seek professional help. Reaching out to doctors or mental health professionals can provide the necessary guidance and support to address the underlying issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Home Remedies
It is important to seek professional help and support for individuals engaging in self-injury. Discussing the issue with a healthcare provider or mental health professional is the recommended course of action. They can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues associated with self-injury.
Treatment
Treatments for self-injury typically involve a combination of psychotherapy, support groups, and medications. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals learn healthier ways to cope with emotional pain and stress. CBT focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive and adaptive behaviors. Support groups can provide a safe space for individuals who engage in self-injury to share their experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar struggles. This can help in building a sense of community and understanding. In some cases, medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be used to address underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which can contribute to self-injury. It is crucial to consult with a mental health professional or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, as each individual's needs and circumstances may vary.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment regarding self-injury, make a list of:
- Symptoms you've had, including triggers for self-injury, how long you've been self-injuring, if you use any objects, and where on your body you usually self-injure.
- Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. During the appointment, be ready to answer questions such as when you first began harming yourself, what methods you use, how often you engage in self-injury, where on your body you usually self-injure, and what feelings and thoughts you have before, during, and after self-injury. It's essential to share any emotional issues you're facing and ask any questions you may have.