Self-Harm
What is it?
For some people, being unable to cope can lead to self-destructive behaviors such as excessive use of alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. Less is spoken openly on the practice of self-injury, which involves cutting, burning, scratching, and the pulling out of hair to express torment and pain.
It can be described as the expression of an inner scream and is a coping method used to handle feelings. It turns internal pain to the outside and gives it a focus making it easier for the sufferer to handle. A desire to relieve tension by drawing blood is often described. Deliberate self-harm is commonly due to depressed mood and tends to occur in individuals who have difficulty verbalizing emotions.
Recent research revealed that almost two thirds of women with a history of self-injury attributed it to childhood experiences. Histories such as vulnerability to loss, the role of a victim, a distorted body image, and a tendency to self-destructive behavior may establish behaviors making an individual prone to self-harm.
Effective Response
It is important the person does not feel blame and has someone supportive to talk to, such as a family member, friend, or health care professional. Being uncritical can make the person feel accepted and cared for. Treatment of someone who has self-harmed depends on the underlying cause. If related to psychiatric illness or psychological disorder, a referral to a professional is necessary. Talking it through with a professional can impact the individual's thinking processes and work to help the person develop strategies to cope.
Distraction may be helpful when the person feels the urge to self-harm. Listening to music, going for a walk, calling a help line, or expressing what one is going through to someone supportive can all be of benefit. Safety is of priority as although the person may not intend to kill themselves, this may happen by accident. Alternative strategies such as punching cushions or squeezing a rubber ball in the palm of the hand can reduce the tension which contributes to the destructive behavior.
Workplace Options. (Reviewed 2018). Self-harm. Raleigh, NC: Author.