For some people, the intensity of an emotional burden—and the destabilizing effect big emotions have—is so great that they hurt themselves to find relief and balance. Self-harm, or the act of hurting yourself purposely, often doesn’t stem from the desire for attention. Very much the opposite—self-harm is typically an attempt to regulate difficult feelings and balance out moods.
No matter the intention: self-harm can be scary and indicate a larger mental-health issue. To better equip parents, family members, and individuals who may struggle with self-harm incidents, Miramont Behavioral Health in Middleton, Wisconsin explains how self-harm works, what types of self-harm exist, and how it can be treated. If you or someone you love hurts themselves, we’re here to guide you with resources and mental-health-crisis services that get to the root of the problem.
What Is Self-Harm and Who Can Fall Victim to It?
Firstly, self-harm isn’t a mental illness but rather a sign of psychological distress and poor coping skills. Teenagers and young adults tend to be the group that resorts to self-harm—but anyone who’s suffered deep trauma may feel compelled to self-harm.
The behavior becomes more common in people with borderline personality disorder. Still, individuals with the following mental issues may be more vulnerable to practicing self-harm:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Affective disorders, like depression and bipolar
- Trauma-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia
- Anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or generalized anxiety disorder
While doctors usually don’t automatically assign self-harm as a suicide attempt, all four forms of the behavior should be taken seriously.
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Direct Self-Harm
Cutting, burning, smacking, hitting—these are all common forms of self-inflicted harm. A teenager who experienced emotional neglect may cut their arms to feel a release from overwhelming guilt or anger. An adult with a history of childhood abuse might engage in burning their skin, finding the physical pain momentarily easier to manage than their triggering emotional memories.
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Indirect Self-Harm or Self-Neglect
Harmful self-neglect involves ignoring essential self-care or engaging in behaviors that endanger health. For example, a young adult who experienced trauma might stop taking prescribed antidepressants, believing they don’t deserve to feel better. An older individual with a history of abuse might skip meals or avoid medical care for chronic conditions, seeing their suffering as a form of self-punishment.
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Sexual or Emotional Self-Harm
Sexual self-harm occurs when someone engages in sexual behaviors not because they want to but to harm themselves. A teenager who experienced sexual abuse may engage in risky, non-consensual, or unprotected sexual encounters to reinforce the belief that they are “damaged goods.” Similarly, an adult survivor of assault might enter unsafe or exploitative relationships as a way to relive trauma or punish themselves.
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Self-Harm That Puts Oneself In Danger
Putting oneself in harm’s way might involve seeking out unsafe environments. A college student with a history of neglect might wander alone in high-crime areas, subconsciously placing themselves at risk. A teenager with unresolved trauma may befriend individuals known to be violent or abusive, feeling drawn to situations that mirror their childhood experiences.
Sometimes putting oneself in harm’s way can be an action intended to cause direct injury. An adult might drive recklessly or walk into traffic without checking, driven by the urge to flirt with danger. A young veteran struggling with PTSD may attempt to light themselves on fire during a dissociative episode, feeling disconnected from reality and their safety.
Practice Suicide Prevention by Knowing the Signs of Self-Harm
Some research shows that people who practice self-harm have a greater risk of committing suicide—the ultimate form of self-harm. Unlike purposeful self-injury, suicide is an act with the direct intention of permanently ending your life. When unsuccessful, suicide attempts can require treatment and a stay at our Middleton inpatient facility
An adolescent who feels trapped in an abusive household may overdose on medication, thinking that dying will provide an escape from their pain. A severely depressed adult dealing with decades of unresolved trauma or substance use disorder (SUD) might intentionally consume toxic substances or jump from a lethal height, believing they can no longer take the suffering.
Know the common signs of self-harm and contact us immediately if you suspect a loved one may be suffering:
- Scars, cuts, scratches, bruising, bite marks, or other fresh wounds.
- Wearing long clothes to hide wounds, even during the summer months
- Frequently reporting accidental injuries
- Impulsivity, poor interpersonal relationships, outbursts or mood swings
- Keeping sharp objects or other items used for self-injury on hand.
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
Treat Self-Harm with Miramont Behavioral Health in Middleton
If you or someone you love deals with self-harming behaviors—or you’re afraid they might start self-harming—reach out for professional help as soon as possible. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness or a loss of control, but a step toward healing and resiliency. Remember, you can treat and beat self-injury.
