Self-harm is any behavior in which an individual harms himself or herself, often as a way to help cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and emotions. It often comes in the form of cutting, burning or drug overdose. Cutting is the most common form of self-harm, more than 80% of people who self-harm choose this method, but it is not the only form Self-harm is not the only form. problem, it’s a symptom of some other underlying mental health condition. Some factors that can put an individual at greater risk are: • Having a mental health disorder. This can include depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Are a young person who is not in the care of their parents or young people who have left the care of a home. Being part of the LGBT community Some individuals can manage their troubles by talking with friends and family, while others may find these difficulties overwhelming. When we don’t express our feelings and don’t talk about things that make us sad, angry, or upset, the pressure can build up and become unbearable. Some people do this on their own and use their bodies as a way to express thoughts and feelings that they cannot verbalize. Studies have found that self-harm is an important cause of hospitalization. The peak age for self-harm is 15–24 and suicide is the third leading cause of death in this age group. Mental illnesses, especially depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse disorders, are common risk factors for self-harm. Previous studies in adults have shown a link between suicidal behavior and chronic physical illness, such as asthma, type I diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer. Self-harm, also called non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is not the same as self-harm. a suicide attempt. Suicide is a way to end your life. Self-injury is a coping strategy, however, people who self-injure are nine times more likely to attempt suicide and many of our clients describe chronic suicidal thoughts at the time of the injury. love. Although self-injury may bring a temporary sense of calm and release of stress, it is often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and the return of painful emotions. Although life-threatening injuries are often unintentional, self-injury can lead to more serious consequences, even death. Four mental health conditions that can lead to self-harm are: Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that significantly affects a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others. They may experience intense mood swings and feel uncertain about how they see themselves. They may act impulsively or recklessly; also engage in self-harming behavior. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is one of the most common mental illnesses and serious mood disorders. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness, loss of interest or pleasure pleasure in hobbies and activities, decreased energy, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite or weight changes, thoughts about death or suicide, or suicide attempt; are symptoms of depression. Anxiety disorders Anxiety can get worse over time if not treated. Symptoms can affect daily activities such as work performance, schoolwork, and relationships. Symptoms include tension disproportionate to the impact of the event, an inability to let go of worry, and restlessness. People may experience increased vigilance, irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, unwanted thoughts, fatigue, sweating, insomnia, nausea, and palpitations. Post-traumatic stress disorder A disorder characterized by the inability to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The condition can last for months or even years, with triggers that can evoke memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety, or depressed mood. If you are injuring yourself, even slightly, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact us for help. Any form of self-injury is a sign of larger problems that need to be addressed. Talk to someone you trust – someone who can help you take the first steps toward successful treatment. Although you may feel ashamed and embarrassed about your behavior, you can find help that is supportive, caring and non-judgmental. This article is written by Sana Rubiyana, Consulting Psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore.
