Raising Awareness and Understanding of Self-Harm
It is characterised by intentional, self-inflicted damage to one’s body, typically as a way to cope with emotional distress or to communicate inner turmoil. While it’s a sensitive topic, it’s crucial to discuss openly to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support to those who may be struggling.
Self-harm is a significant concern, in the UK, particularly among adolescents and young adults. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), approximately 10% to 15% of young people in the UK engage in self-harming behaviours at some point during their adolescence. However, it’s important to note that self-harm can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or other forms of self-injury. These actions are often a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions or to gain a sense of control when they feel powerless. Contrary to common misconceptions, self-harm is not typically a suicidal act but rather a maladaptive coping mechanism.
What are the consequences of Self-Harm?
Self-harm can have both immediate and long-term consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health. In the short term, self-injury can lead to tissue damage, infection, scarring, and even accidental death in severe cases. Psychologically, self-harm may provide temporary relief from emotional pain, but it can also perpetuate feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.
Over time, repeated self-harm can become addictive, leading to a cycle of escalating behaviour and increased risk of harm. Additionally, underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders often coexist with self-harm, further complicating the situation.
Symptoms/Traits of an Individual with Self-Harm
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns on the body, particularly in hidden areas like the arms, thighs, or abdomen.
- Wearing clothing that covers the body excessively, even in warm weather.
- Hoarding sharp objects or engaging in rituals before self-harming, such as sharpening blades or preparing a space.
- Withdrawal from social activities, changes in mood or behaviour, or sudden fluctuations in weight or sleep patterns.
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or an inability to cope with stress.
Causes of Self-Harm
Many individuals turn to self-harm to cope with overwhelming emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or loneliness.
Experiences of abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events can increase the risk of self-harm as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly associated with self-harm.
Adolescents may engage in self-harm as a way to fit in with peers or to mimic behaviours they see online or in social media.
Some individuals may resort to self-harm due to a lack of healthy coping mechanisms or problem-solving skills for dealing with stress or difficult emotions
It’s essential to recognise that self-harm is not a choice but rather a manifestation of deep emotional pain and distress.
NHS Support for Self-Harm
Primary Care
Individuals can seek help from their general practitioner (GP) for an initial assessment and referral to appropriate mental health services.
Community Mental Health Teams
NHS community mental health teams provide specialised support for individuals with complex mental health needs, including those struggling with self-harm.
Crisis Intervention
In cases of acute distress or imminent harm, individuals can access crisis intervention services through local NHS mental health crisis teams or emergency departments.
Talking Therapies
Psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or mindfulness-based interventions are commonly offered through NHS mental health services to help individuals address underlying issues contributing to self-harm.
Treatment Options for Self-Harm
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches for self-harm, focusing on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing healthier coping strategies. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is another evidence-based therapy specifically designed for individuals with emotion regulation difficulties, often associated with self-harm.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or mood instability.
Peer support groups or online forums can provide valuable support and encouragement for individuals struggling with self-harm, offering a sense of validation, connection, and shared coping strategies.
In cases of severe self-harm or acute crisis, hospitalisation may be necessary to ensure the individual’s safety and provide intensive therapeutic intervention. Hospital-based treatment may include medical stabilisation, psychiatric assessment, and short-term crisis intervention.
It’s essential for treatment to be holistic, addressing not only the immediate self-harming behaviours but also the underlying emotional, psychological, and social factors contributing to distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not always possible to prevent self-harm entirely, early intervention and support can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the frequency and severity of self-harming behaviours.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, self-harm is typically a private and secretive behaviour driven by deep emotional distress rather than a desire for attention. Individuals who self-harm often go to great lengths to conceal their behaviour due to shame or fear of judgement.
While self-harm and suicide can be related, they are distinct behaviours with different motivations and outcomes. Many individuals who engage in self-harm do not have suicidal intent but rather use self-injury as a way to cope with emotional pain. However, self-harm can increase the risk of suicide, particularly if underlying mental health issues are left untreated.
Yes, self-harm can become addictive for some individuals, as the temporary relief or sense of control it provides can reinforce the behaviour. Over time, individuals may find it increasingly difficult to stop self-harming without appropriate support and intervention.