Self Harm

What is it?

Self-harm is the intentional act of causing injury to oneself, often as a way to manage intense emotions or cope with psychological distress. It is important to understand that self-harm is a signal of emotional pain, not a desire to end one’s life. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it’s classified as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), meaning these actions are typically not intended to be life-threatening.

People who self-harm may engage in behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting objects, among others. These actions are often ways to release or numb overwhelming feelings, and while they are concerning, they do not mean that someone is hopeless. With the right support, individuals who self-harm can find healthier ways to manage their emotions and move toward healing. Compassionate care and understanding are essential in helping them through this challenging experience.

Symptoms of Self Harm

Physical Symptoms

  • Cuts, burns, or bruises on the body
  • Scarring or frequent skin injuries
  • Unexplained injuries or injuries in hidden areas of the body
  • Infected wounds or marks from sharp objects
  • Signs of extreme skin picking or pulling out hair
  • Damage to clothing or personal items (e.g., from punching or scratching)

Psychological Symptoms

  • Intense feelings of emotional pain or numbness
  • Difficulty expressing or managing emotions
  • Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or out of control
  • Low self-esteem or self-worth
  • Guilt, shame, or embarrassment after engaging in self-harm
  • A sense of relief or release after self-harming, followed by regret or shame

Risk Factors for Self Harm

What is a risk factor

A risk factor is a characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder, such as self harm. Risk factors can be biological, psychological, or environmental. They do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition, but they can contribute to the possibility of its occurrence.

Risk factors for self harm

  • Previous history of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
  • Traumatic life experiences, such as abuse or loss
  • Difficulty managing intense emotions or stress
  • Low self-esteem or negative body image
  • Lack of emotional support or feeling isolated
  • Peer pressure or influence
  • Struggling with feelings of control or powerlessness
  • History of self-harm in family members or peers

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Treatment Approaches

Nutritional Rehabilitation, Psychological Interventions, Alternative and Adjunct Therapies

Nutritional Rehabilitation

Psychological Interventions

Alternative and Adjunct Therapies

Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. Seeking help at the earliest sign of symptoms can prevent long-term health problems.

Self Harm

What is it?

Self-harm is the intentional act of causing injury to oneself, often as a way to manage intense emotions or cope with psychological distress. It is important to understand that self-harm is a signal of emotional pain, not a desire to end one’s life. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it’s classified as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), meaning these actions are typically not intended to be life-threatening.

People who self-harm may engage in behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting objects, among others. These actions are often ways to release or numb overwhelming feelings, and while they are concerning, they do not mean that someone is hopeless. With the right support, individuals who self-harm can find healthier ways to manage their emotions and move toward healing. Compassionate care and understanding are essential in helping them through this challenging experience.

Symptoms

Physical symptoms of
Self Harm

  • Cuts, burns, or bruises on the body
  • Scarring or frequent skin injuries
  • Unexplained injuries or injuries in hidden areas of the body
  • Infected wounds or marks from sharp objects
  • Signs of extreme skin picking or pulling out hair
  • Damage to clothing or personal items (e.g., from punching or scratching)

Psychological symptoms of
Self Harm

  • Intense feelings of emotional pain or numbness
  • Difficulty expressing or managing emotions
  • Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or out of control
  • Low self-esteem or self-worth
  • Guilt, shame, or embarrassment after engaging in self-harm
  • A sense of relief or release after self-harming, followed by regret or shame

Risk factors

What is a risk factor?

A risk factor is a characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder, such as self harm. Risk factors can be biological, psychological, or environmental. They do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition, but they can contribute to the possibility of its occurrence.

Risk factors for self harm

  • Previous history of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety)
  • Traumatic life experiences, such as abuse or loss
  • Difficulty managing intense emotions or stress
  • Low self-esteem or negative body image
  • Lack of emotional support or feeling isolated
  • Peer pressure or influence
  • Struggling with feelings of control or powerlessness
  • History of self-harm in family members or peers

Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. Seeking help at the earliest sign of symptoms can prevent long-term health problems.

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