What is self-harm and why do people do it?

What is self-harm and why do people do it?

Self-harm is defined as an act of intentionally damaging or injuring your body.

There are several reasons why people choose to self-harm, some of which are expressing a feeling which is hard to put into words, which is usually a very difficult feeling.

Turning invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible, a reminder.

Trying to feel in control a way of punishing themselves, relieving unbearable emotional distress, a cry for help, although caution with saying this because often this is the assumed reason, which is not helpful in many cases to the person, a response to intrusive thoughts, so a distraction from maybe traumatic memories or thoughts, and to express suicidal feelings without taking their own life.

It's important to know that not everybody who self-harms wishes to end their life.

To many, self-harming is a coping strategy, especially when dealing with emotional distress.

Guilt and shame tend to be two prominent emotions associated with self-harm.

So people self-harm in different ways.

And just to give you warning that the following sentence does include what can be quite a sensitive thing, so just be careful when listening.

So the different ways of cutting, pulling hair, skin picking, self-medicating, controlling eating, so not eating at all or overeating, neglecting themselves or reckless behaviour, such as getting into a physical fight, over exercising to the point of exhaustion are some of the ways.

There are many more.

Here's a list as well which can contribute to self harming behavior.

So these are situations or feelings.

Number one, stress.

Number two, an illness or health problem.

Number three, pressures at work or if you're a student.

four homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.

Five living with a neurodiverse condition.

six living with mental health problems such as bipolar depression and anxiety.

Seven low self esteem eight abuse nine money worries or worries over financial security or ten after loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship or job.

The frequency and severity of self harming will indicate the level of distress that is being experienced.

I do look at self-harm as a symptom, and treating the cause is important for long-term reduction in frequency and severity.

Sometimes it can be more harmful to try and eliminate self-harm in one go.

So finding support and strategies so you can release and vocalise what you are feeling would be my first recommendation, whether that be via a GP or counsellor.

Do consider talking to NHS 111, option two for mental health.

There are some good resources also at www.mind.org.uk giving you more information.

Please take care and call emergency services on 999 if you yourself or anybody you know is in immediate danger because of a self harming act.

Please take care.

Thank you.