Self-harm refers to when a person purposely inflicts harm on their body. It’s more common among women than among men. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that a person who self-harms is at a higher risk for attempting suicide and dying by suicide if they don’t get the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
Self-harm usually begins in the teen or young adult years. Sometimes, people self-harm sporadically and then stop. Others find it difficult to end the behavior and do it more often. Some people say that when they self-harm, they feel a sense of relief from their intense emotions and problems they may be facing in their daily lives. But self-harm only provides temporary relief and is typically a sign that someone is suffering from a mental health disorder.
If you or someone you love is self-harming, please seek professional help as soon as possible.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Self-Harm
Self-harm indicates that there may be emotional conflict happening within a person that needs to be addressed. It can also be a sign that there are other mental health concerns occurring. It may be difficult to detect signs of self-harm because many people go to great lengths to hide their injuries and behaviors.
Self-harm signs include the following:
- Broken bones without explanation
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants even when it’s warm outside
- Noticeable injuries on the body said to be the result of an accident
- Agitation
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Keeping sharp objects or lighters close by
- Piercing skin with sharp objects
- Cigarette, match, or candle burns on the body
- Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
- Emotional or behavioral instability
- Impulse control difficulties
- Obsessions with self-harm behaviors
Self-Harm Causes & Risk Factors
There is no one cause that leads a person to self-harm. People who self-harm often have poor coping skills and difficulty regulating their emotions. Self-harm can be used to manage intense anxiety or to feel a sense of control of the physical body, emotions, or life situations. Often, self-harm can be used to punish oneself. Young adults and teenagers are more likely to self-harm, as are those who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Teens and young adults who have friends who self-harm are more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors themselves.
The good news is that self-harm can be treated, and it’s possible to overcome the urge to hurt yourself. There are alternative ways to find release and cope with intense emotions and the effects of trauma. By receiving effective treatment for self-harm, you can heal and live a healthy and productive life.
Potential Effects of Self-Harm
The physical effects of self-harm may include:
- Risk for infection
- Long-term damage, such as nerve pain
- Scarring
- Severe bleeding and anemia
- Addiction to substances
- Chronic pain
The emotional and social effects of self-harm can include the following:
- Mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Increased emotional pain
- Stigma associated with judgment from others
- Isolation and lack of support from others
- Strained relationships
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggles with daily activities
- Challenges at school, work, and home
Mental health concerns that often co-occur with self-harm include:
- Depression
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Addictions to drugs and alcohol
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- The effects of trauma
- Eating disorders
- Conduct disorder
- Dissociative disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
Self-Harm Statistics
According to Mental Health America (MHA), self-harm often begins around the ages of 12-14 and is the result of feelings of sadness, distress, confusion, and anxiety. One-third to one-half of adolescents in the U.S. have engaged in some type of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Research also indicates that viewing content about self-harm on social media sites can be a trigger, as can body or fat shaming.
The JAMA Network reports a higher prevalence of NSSI among female adolescents in North America, Europe, and Australia compared with male adolescents overall.
These statistics can be disheartening, but it’s important to remember that self-harm can be treated by experienced professionals.
Treatment for Self-Harm at Shorewood Behavioral Health
At Shorewood Behavioral Health in Madison, Wisconsin, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. We are committed to providing the best possible care with our patients’ goals and needs in mind.
We use the following evidence-based treatment practices to help people who are struggling with self-harm behaviors:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma-focused care
- Art and music therapies
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Group therapy is an integral part of the care offered at our self-harm treatment center. Patients can openly share what they are going through with our team and with others who are struggling with self-harm. Our group therapy sessions may include:
- Process groups
- Psychoeducational groups
- Activity therapy groups
- Goal setting groups
Topics that are commonly covered in our group therapy sessions include:
- Coping skills
- Setting boundaries
- The effects of trauma
- Self-esteem
Our compassionate professionals can adjust patients’ individualized care plans as needed to best help them in their healing process. As discharge approaches, we work closely with each patient, their treatment team, and their loved ones to prepare a detailed aftercare plan that will meet their continuing needs. The discharge plan may include resources in their home community or a referral for a lower level of care. Our goal is to continue supporting each patient every step of their journey toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
Choosing the Right Treatment Center for Self-Harm
Finding a reputable treatment center can be essential to the healing process. At Shorewood Behavioral Health in Madison, Wisconsin, we provide comprehensive care for adolescents and adults who are struggling with self-harm.
Our full continuum of care includes the following options:
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Our multidisciplinary team members include:
- Psychiatrists
- Nurse practitioners
- Licensed professional nurses
- Registered nurses
- Registered dietitians
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Licensed professional counselors
- Activity therapists
- Mental health technicians
Our treatment center is a safe and welcoming place where you can receive effective care for self-harm. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we are here for you every step of the way. Contact our admissions department today so that we can help you determine if our comprehensive care is a good fit for you or your loved one.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.
