Treatment for Self Harm Patients
Self-harm is not a moral failing, nor a sign of weakness, nor a mental illness. It is a symptom of an underlying problem that can be diagnosed and treated by a trained professional. There are various forms of effective therapy. Due to the complex nature of self-harm, symptoms must be evaluated and the appropriate treatment applied. Please feel free to contact us to explore the appropriate resolution.
For example in daily life, it is often seen as the result of reckless activity (drunkenness or reckless driving) or any situation where people bring harm upon themselves, even though they did not perform the original act with the intention of harming themselves.
However, in a clinical context, self-harm is described as a dedicated act to physically injure oneself, rather than the side effect of some other activity. Furthermore, the injury is inflicted with the specific intention of of experiencing pain. It is not seen as deliberate or reckless, as it is caused by an uncontrollable mental impulse.
The self-infliction of physical pain is a way of controlling emotional feelings. The relief that it brings only lasts for a short while so it is repeated over and over. It involves acts like cutting, burning, hitting and stabbing oneself. It usually results in wounds or bruises which are not grave enough to warrant serious medical care. Nonetheless, it raises significant concern and impairment of interpersonal, employment, academic and other functions and can escalate to more dangerous levels.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not about simply getting attention. It is most often done in secret and the results are hidden. Self-harm that is abused to influence others, for instance; in an attempt to manipulate a lost lover, is a temporary emotional ruse, rather than a pathological disorder.
Trivial acts, such as constant nail biting, are generally not regarded as serious enough for therapy, unless it progresses to more serious acts. The same applies to tattooing and body piercing for adornment or socially accepted cultural or religious rituals.
Self-harm which is inflicted in an attempt to circumvent or avoid an obligation on medical grounds is not a pathological act, as the pain is just an unavoidable side effect in such cases.
However, the boundaries are not always clear and, in some cases, behaviour that seems to fall outside the normal boundaries may, indeed, be caused by a pathological tendency.
Self-harm differs from attempted suicide, as there is no intention to end life. In fact, it is aimed at making life more bearable, not to end it. However, if the underlying condition gets worse, the probability of suicide increases. A botched act of self-harm may also lead to accidental death.
Due to it’s complicated nature, it is essential to have self-harm properly evaluated. Most afflictions can be treated, but treatment will vary in line with the therapeutic analysis. When self-harm occurs in the presence of other disorders, it will be treated as part of the overall condition.
Self-harm is also known as self-injury, non-suicidal self-injury, deliberate self-harm and other similar descriptions.
Symptoms
Note: The severity of a wound does not tell you how serious the person is affected. Do not ignore frequent small wounds because they seem minor or harmless.
Causes
The reasons for self-harm are complex. Not everyone harms themselves for the same reason. Individuals have their own, unique reasons and to understand it requires an understanding of their personal motivation and mentality. The common causes may also vary with age.
Self-harm can be addictive
One of the reasons for self-harm is that the body releases natural painkillers, known as beta endorphins, in response to physical injury. Endorphins also create “pleasant” feelings in the brain. By hurting themselves, self-harmers unintentionally release mood altering chemicals that make them feel good. Because self-harm activates this “rush”, it can become addictive.
Complications
Self-injury causes a variety of complications, including: