Self-harm Awareness

March is a month to recognize that self-harm happens across all genders, race, beliefs and ages. While self-harm itself is not a mental illness, the behavior is often a symptom of a psychiatric disorder. Disorders such as: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder or an eating disorder. Self-harm is not a topic that is often talked about but is important to address. Research has shown that people who cause harm to themselves are trying to stop bad feelings, relieve loneliness, decrease the feeling of rage or to control their thoughts. When physical harm is inflicted the brain feels relief from the psychic pain. Throughout time, self-harm behaviors will increase and so will the intensity as the relief decreases. Without treatment Self-harming behaviors can quickly escalate into a dangerous cycle, increasing the risk of suicide. Self-harm can cause feelings of shame, the scars caused by cutting or burning can become permanent. The time and energy spent changing bandages or avoiding social settings to prevent people from seeing scares will negatively affect one's life.

Warning Signs & Treatment

• Fresh cuts and scratches

• Scars, burns, bruises, cuts appearing in the same place over and over

• Wounds that don’t heal

• Hair loss or bald spots

• Keeping sharp objects around

• Wearing long sleeves and long pants even in hot weather

• Mood changes

• Social withdrawal

• Inability to handle stress

• Claiming to have accidents frequently (trips, falls, etc.)

Treatment can usually take place on an outpatient basis, by a mental health professional. There are effective treatments for self-harm that can allow a person to feel in control again. Self-harm may feel necessary to manage emotions, so a person will need to learn new coping mechanisms. Psychotherapy is important to any treatment plan, focusing on exploring past experiences and emotions by using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on recognizing negative thought patterns and increasing coping skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills to help reduce the intensity of emotions and provides alternative ways to cope with urges to self-harm.

If you notice any of these warning signs in a friend or loved one, you should talk to them and express your concerns; let them know that help is available. Remember that the person is already experiencing emotional pain, so it’s important to be caring and compassionate.