Self-harm or the desire to harm oneself

Self-harm or the desire to harm oneself

Self-harm is a way of dealing with problems, trying to express feelings that cannot be explained in words. At the same time, it is intended to release emotional pain. But for the person who hurt themselves the painful feelings always come back. Feel the need to hurt yourself again, so it is necessary to look for other ways to feel better without being injured.

It is a behavior, an escape valve, to express and feel better. Personal injuries are the only way to deal with feelings such as sadness, hate, guilt or anger, however, that little relief does not last long. In addition, the secret and guilt caused by self-harm affects their family and personal relationships.

Walsh (2006) defines self-harm as "self-realized lesions, of low lethality or little intentional bodily harm, of a socially unacceptable character, carried out to reduce psychological distress".

Different types of self-harm

The impulse to intentionally damage oneself can be carried out in various ways, some of the most common are: burning, cutting or scratching the skin, hitting the head or any part of the body, piercing or sticking objects on the skin, prevent their wounds from healing, taking toxic substances or other objects, and in a less obvious way, the person can be in danger by drinking excessively, driving recklessly or taking any type of medication without precautions.

«Strength is not about winning. The force consists of choosing the difficulties and deciding not to give up ».

-Anonymous-

Categories of self-harm behaviors

According to Simeon and Favazza (2001), there are different categories of self-injurious behaviors:

Stereotyped They can vary from minor to serious injuries. They are usually driven by repetitive forces. They are usually rhythmic and devoid of content.

Greater. They involve suffering and severe psychological pathology. They can reach amputation or castration.

Compulsive Repetitive, ritualistic. They are repeated several times a day.

Impulsive Tension before acting and relief after doing so. There is no intention of suicide. There is concern and anxiety about harming yourself. It is impulsive and hard to resist.

Possible signs of self-harm

The warning signs that a family member or friend self-injures may be the following:

Unexplained wounds, bumps or burns, usually on the wrists, chest, arms, and thighs. Bloodstains on clothes or in bed.

Find among their belongings knives, needles, crystals, and sharp or sharp objects.

To suffer frequent accidents, making the excuse that they are clumsy or suffer many setbacks.

Wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants even when it's hot.

They are usually people who like to be alone for a long time locked in the bathroom or in the bedroom, and people who suffer from isolation and irritability.

What causes self-harm immediately?

Despite not being an appropriate behavior, the one who carries it out may feel different sensations:

Feeling alive.

Release endorphins

Reduce stress.

Feeling of relaxation

Dream.

Clears the mind

"A hero is a normal man who finds strength to persevere and survive the obstacles that stand in his way."

-Christopher Reeve-

Although it seems that this behavior can bring about something positive at the immediate level, it should be added that under no circumstances should it be taken as a solution to any problem. There are many techniques to produce the same effects in the short term. For example, an intense sport session.

How to act against self-harm

- The first step of acting against self-harm is to trust someone and talk about what is happening. At first, there may be a fear of speaking, but it is also often a great relief to share what is happening with another. To do this, to talk about self-harm, the person must concentrate on their feelings and communicate in a way that makes them feel more comfortable.

- The second step is to seek professional help and not continue with self-harm behavior. Because with the help of a therapist, the person will be able to understand why they are self-injured. For this it is very important to know how to recognize the triggers of self-harm, and to achieve this you must work your emotional awareness.

- The third step is to find new coping techniques, such as expressing pain and intense emotions, calming down, knowing how to disconnect and especially looking for techniques that help release tension.

Professional treatment

Without a doubt, it is essential to resort to professional help in the case of carrying out this type of behavior. The professional will help us regulate our emotions and redirect harmful and depretative behavior.