What is self-harm?  The definition of self-harming is when a person intentionally hurts themselves, they can do this in a variety of different ways and to different degrees.  Self-harm is not considered to be a mental health disorder, but it is usually a symptom of mental distress or other mental health conditions.

Types of Self-Harming

People who self-harm usually do so in private in a controlled manner which can leave a pattern on their skin, most often on the arms, chest, stomach and legs. This can include:

·      Hitting, slapping or punching themselves or banging their heads against hard surfaces

·      Biting or scratching their body

·      Stabbing or carving words or symbols on to their skin

·      Piercing the skin and inserting objects beneath it

·      Burning themselves with matches, cigarettes, hot liquids or heated objects

·      Hair pulling

·      Swallowing objects or taking an overdose of tablets

·      Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

·      Breaking their bones

Self-harm doesn’t only have physical symptoms, psychological symptoms can include:

·      Feelings of shame, embarrassment guilt or self-loathing

·      Low self-esteem, low confidence or self-worth

·      Sadness or loneliness

·      Anger

·      Grief

What Causes A Person to Self-Harm?

There is no single reason for a person to self-harm.  It can have a variety of causes and be a way for them to deal with their emotions.  They can do it to try and:

·      Show people that they need help

·      Block out unwanted memories or intrusive thoughts

·      Feel something because they feel numb

·      Punish themselves because they feel guilty or ashamed

·      Feel as though they have some control

·      Make themselves feel normal

·      Cope with their inner pain

·      To release overwhelming feelings like hopelessness, frustration or anger

Whatever the reason, there is generally, but not always an underlying cause that triggers it.

Who Is Most At Risk Of Self-Harming

Self-Harming generally starts in pre-teens, early teens or young adults and is more common in females.  You can be more likely to self-harm if you have:

·      Suffered physical, emotional or sexual abuse

·      Spent time in prison

·      Are an asylum seeker

·      Have lost a loved one who committed suicide

You may also be at risk if you are:

·      A veteran of the armed forces.

·      Part of the LGBQT plus community

·      Struggle with drug or alcohol misuse

People who self-harm often have a mental health condition such as:

·      Anxiety

·      Depression

·      Borderline personality disorder

·      Post-traumatic stress disorder

·      Eating disorders

How To Spot Signs Of Self-Harming

It’s not always easy to see symptoms of self-harm as people often try to hide them, signs can include:

·      Withdrawing from their usual activities

·      Avoiding having to show their arms and legs often covering them even when it’s hot

·      Making up unlikely reasons for their injuries

·      Acting out of character or being secretive

·      Mood swings

·      Always having scars, cuts or bruises

Whilst people who self-harm are not attempting to kill themselves, they are at higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts and attempting to commit suicide if they don’t receive help.

Seeking Help

Try to confide in friends or family who can encourage you to seek help.  Your doctor can prescribe suitable medications for any underlying mental health conditions and refer you for psychotherapy.  There are a variety of therapies that can help you to understand the underlying reasons for your need to self-harm, and how to overcome negative thoughts and behaviours, these can be tailored to your specific needs.  Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK).  For more free information click above link.