Sometimes the pain, sadness, and anger in your heart become unbearable. At that time, some people are tempted to hurt themselves to get rid of those feelings. This is a really sensitive topic. But it is very important to talk about this openly. Because you are not going through this alone, there are ways for you to get help to overcome this situation.
What is self-harm?
Simply put, self-harm is when someone intentionally harms their own body. This is also known as Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder . The important thing to note here is that most people who self-harm do not intend to take their own life. So why do people do this? There can be several reasons for this.
- Get some mental relief: For some people, when they experience physical pain, they forget for a moment the unbearable mental pain they are feeling. This can feel like a great relief to them at the time. Some people also do this to prove to themselves that they can handle the pain.
- Directing emotions towards yourself: When you feel angry or frustrated with yourself, and have nowhere to vent those feelings, some people hurt themselves as a way of punishing themselves.
- As a way to ask for help: Sometimes, people don't know how to put into words the pain and stress they are going through. At that time, some people do this to signal to those around them that they need help.
In what ways do you hurt people like this?
There are many ways to hurt yourself. All of these methods are dangerous. Let's look at the most common ones.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Cutting with sharp objects | Using objects such as blades, razors, and broken glass that can cause skin injuries. |
| Burning | Skin burns from hot objects like cigarettes, matches, or certain chemicals. |
| Hitting hard | Like hitting a wall, hitting your body on something hard. |
| Skin picking/biting | Biting or clenching your nails so hard that they damage the skin. |
What are the outward signs?
Often, someone who does this doesn't want others to see it. So they wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants even on hot days, and they tell stories that the wounds were caused by an "accident." However, you may see signs like these:
- Scars or scabs in a certain pattern, in the same place.
- Multiple burn wounds of the same size or shape.
- Frequent "accidents" and therefore new scratches and bruises.
- To continue to do something uncontrollably, such as scratching a certain area.
- Always cover parts of the body, such as arms and legs, with clothes.
Why does someone try to hurt themselves?
It's hard to pinpoint a single cause for this. However, it's often associated with other mental health issues. This means that it can occur as a way of coping with stress that is too much to bear. Some of the mental health issues that may be associated with this condition include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Eating Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
The important thing is, this is not a weakness. This is a sign of unbearable mental pain.
What factors increase the risk for this?
Certain experiences and life circumstances may increase a person's risk of self-harm.
| Risk factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Abuse or traumatic experiences | This condition is common among those who experienced abuse, molestation, or other traumatic events during childhood. |
| Age | These behaviors are most likely to begin at a young age, usually around 12-14 years old. However, they can start earlier or later. |
| Social isolation | Risk is also increased by factors such as bullying, loneliness, and rejection at school, at work, or in society. |
| Sexual identity | This situation is also more common among people with homosexual or transgender identities, as they are more likely to be marginalized and rejected by society. |
What are the risks if treatment is not sought?
It is essential to seek treatment for this, as it can cause both short-term and long-term risks if left untreated.
Short-term risks
- Medical complications: Infections , nerve damage, severe and permanent scarring, and sometimes unexpected serious injury or even death can occur.
- Social problems: This can affect relationships with family and friends.
Long-term risks
- Worsening mental health: You may feel ashamed and guilty about what you are doing, which can lead to further depression.
- Increasing severity of injuries: The frequency and severity of injuries may increase over time.
- Suicide risk: Although this behavior does not begin with suicidal intent, research has shown that people who self-harm are at a much higher risk of committing suicide or attempting suicide . This is the most serious long-term risk.
When should I see a doctor?
If you find yourself hurting yourself, or if you see someone you know doing so, please see a doctor . Your injuries may require medical attention. It can also be comforting to know that you are not alone. Doctors are there to listen and help you. They will recommend the best treatment for you.
When should you go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU)?
If you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
Additionally, if your injury is serious, seek emergency treatment immediately, especially if you have these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped.
- Some deformity in the body.
- Loss of movement in an arm or leg.
Take-Home Message
- Self-harm is not a sign of weakness or a way to get attention. It is a way of coping with unbearable emotional pain.
- Hiding this problem won't solve it. The first and most important step is to talk about it with someone you trust, especially a doctor.
- You are not alone in this journey. Counseling, therapy, and, if necessary, medication can help you recover from this condition.
- If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from this condition, without judging them, kindly ask, "Are you okay?" Say that you can help and refer them to a doctor.
- Remember, no matter how difficult it is, with help and proper treatment, you can recover.
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