Self-Harm

Most addictions stem from a conscious or subconscious desire to ease pain, but what happens when the addiction itself involves the infliction of pain? Injuring yourself physically in an effort to relieve psychological pain seems like a contradiction. Yet for many, self-injury escalates into an addictive effort to cope with overwhelming negative emotions.

Self-injury Defined

Mayo Clinic staff describes self-injury as harming your own body in a deliberate act of intentional behavior that occurs more than once. Those who practice self-injury indicate they experience a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension followed by guilt, shame and the return of painful emotions. While there are many ways people harm themselves, the most common is cutting. This occurs most frequently on the arms, legs and front of the torso as these areas are easily reached and can be hidden under clothing.

Most prevalent among adolescents, self-injury symptoms are difficult to spot because the injuries are often kept secret. There are signs to look for, though. Be suspicious of:

• Scars from burns or cuts
• Fresh wounds
• Wearing long sleeves or long pants even in hot weather

The emotional triggers that lead to self-injury are complex and are generally the result of an inability to cope with deep psychological pain in a healthy way. Many of these cases involve an attempt for control and stem from past trauma including sexual abuse or rigid parenting that leaves them feeling powerless.

Individuals who self-mutilate believe their feelings are unbearable and think their only release is through physical pain. Many with this problem may also struggle with eating disorders and other emotional difficulties.

While it may not seem as serious as some other addictive behaviors, there are definite health risks. The Mayo Clinic warns that self-injury poses the risk of serious injury, infection, disfigurement or even death.

Self-mutilation Beginnings

This compulsive disorder usually begins in late childhood and early adolescence. A large number of these adolescents come from homes of:

• Alcoholism and substance abuse struggles in family members
• Violence that intimidates the individual into repressing healthy expressions of anger
• Dysfunctional relationship between the self-injurer and his parents or role models
• Loss of parent through death, divorce or abandonment

Added Dangers for Self-injury

As if the act of self-mutilation was not enough danger, there are side effects of these injuries that put the self-harmer in more danger. For example, as a tolerance for the pain builds, the self-harmer will inflict increasingly severe pain. Sometimes the injuries may develop infections which, if left untreated, may become life-threatening. And in the most severe cases, self-harm may lead to suicide.

Self-harm Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm please know there is help available. Please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5635. We are available 24 hours a day to offer help and guidance about how to deal with self-harm and finding the next step to healing.

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