Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm is often misunderstood. Unfortunately, it can be viewed as being attention seeking, however, viewing self-harm in such a light is not only invalidating but can be incredibly harmful. Discovering that your child is deliberately harming themselves can be a frightening and difficult experience. While some may self-harm as an experimental way to feel relieved of emotional weight, not all young people stop there.
If your teen is experiencing intense emotions and/or feels that they cannot tell anyone, he or she may cut or self-harm in an attempt to “escape.” There are many possible motivations for self-harming behaviors, it is important to find out the cause and intervene sooner rather than later. Self-harm is an indication that something needs to be addressed, therapy can help.
What is Self-harm?
Self-injury can refer to a variety of behaviors, though most first think of cutting. Cutting is what it sounds like, the deliberate cutting of one’s skin in order to cause pain. These cuts can initially be superficial, though this behavior may escalate, and your teen could begin to cut deeper and deeper, eventually even warranting medical attention.
Some individuals injure themselves so badly they irritate tissue beneath the skin. This is known as subdermal tissue scratching, and it is another common method of self-harm. Others may burn themselves, while others embed objects under their skin. Punching hard objects, banging one’s body against the wall, ingesting poison, and hair pulling are other self-harming methods that can occur.
Self-harming is very private and personal,”” as Liz Scarff of Have I Got a Problem? says. Individuals who cut themselves often go to great lengths to conceal the signs of injuries, such as by wearing long-sleeved or high-necked outfits.
There are some harmful myths regarding self-injury that can be problematic. One of the most concerning misconceptions is the belief that everyone who self-harms is suicidal.
Those who self-harm may not be thinking of ending their lives, but they may feel that they can’t just stop the behavior, even when they want to.
Looking Deeper into Self-Harm
Since self-harm is more common in young people, many may wonder, “What drives young people to self-harm?” Therapist Jenna Mutlick, who has personal experience of it, says it can be a form of “self-punishment.” However, the motivation to self-harm can be varied. According to Professor Glyn Lewis of the University College London, “It’s a very heterogeneous group of people who self-harm, and there are a variety of reasons why people might start.”
Self-injury can be a way of communicating or expressing emotional distress. It can also be a way to shift attention away from a troubling thought or feeling, to escape from a deep hurt or negative thought, or to numb intolerable feelings.
Self-harm is often used as a strategy to resolve an emotional concern, it is not effective in the long run and causes a myriad of problems. Unfortunately, you cannot ask an individual to just stop using self-injury as a means of coping without providing them with a healthier alternative. This is where counseling comes in.
Getting Help
If you have a teen who has been self-harming, you may be left feeling confused and frightened. Self-injury can be isolating, leaving you unsure of where to turn for help. You are not alone.
Facing self-harm will require the help and support of a non-judgmental, well-trained counselor. It is a serious concern that will not just go away, but with professional help you can address the underlying reasons for self-harm.
Take the first step toward healing the inner hurts that cause self-harm by getting in touch with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC. Provide yourself or your loved one a safe place to truly create new, healthy behaviors to cope with distress. Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC is where you will find the expert support for a safe journey to recovery. Call today and schedule your first appointment.
PO BOX 9909 Fayetteville, NC 28311