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Whether it’s self-cutting, self-burning, or any other type of self-harm, it’s important to understand the nuances of self-harm in order to treat and support those who struggle with it. Self-harm is a symptom of an underlying emotional pain or distress.
By discussing this important topic and providing information on the different types of treatment available, we hope to help create a better understanding and compassion for those who suffer from self-harm.
Our goal is to raise awareness, break down barriers, and ultimately help create a society that treats mental health the same as it treats physical health.
So join us in our mission to learn more about self harm and discover the best ways to treat it.
What is self-harm? Self-harm is the intentional infliction of physical harm on the body. Self-harm is also referred to as self injury or self mutilation.
Please keep in mind that self-harm is not an attempt at suicide, but rather a way some people try to manage emotional pain. Typical self-harm methods include cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or even pulling out hair. Research suggests that roughly 1 in 5 young adults may turn to self-harm as a way to cope with their emotions at some point in their lives.
Self-harm can also be a form of self-expression, as physical pain distracts people from their emotional distress. It can also help people regain control of their lives when they feel numb or overwhelmed.
In order to treat self-harm effectively, it’s important to first understand why you’re harming yourself. Self-harming is often an expression of profound pain and distress that you may find it difficult to express in words.
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At Calusa Recovery, we focus on treating a wide range of mental health and substance use issues.
Our approach emphasizes tailored treatment plans that use effective and holistic strategies, promoting lasting recovery for our clients.
There are a few misunderstandings about self-harming that can make it difficult to empathize with people who do it.
One of the biggest misconceptions about self-harassment is that it’s about getting attention or manipulation. Self-harassment is a very personal and intimate experience, and people will go to a lot of trouble to hide their scars or injuries.
One of the biggest myths about self-harm is that it’s only something that happens when you’re a teenager or young adult. It’s true that self-harm does happen during adolescence, but it doesn’t have to end there. It can continue into adulthood or develop later in life.
The effects of self-harm on a person’s mental health and well-being can be far-reaching. Self-harm is often a symptom of an underlying emotional distress or pain. People who commit self-harm often feel guilty, ashamed, or self-hating, which can lead to more self-injurious behavior. The physical injuries caused by self-harming can also cause infections, scars, or other health issues.
In addition, self-harming can also lead to feelings of loneliness and social withdrawal. People may feel embarrassed or judged by others, which may lead them to avoid social situations or friendships. This isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and distress.
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Thankfully, there are a number of effective treatment options that can help you get over self-harming and find healthier ways to cope. However, it’s important to remember that not every treatment works for everyone, so you’ll need to tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for self-harm:
CBT is one of the most popular and proven methods of self-harm treatment. The goal of CBT is to recognize and change negative thinking habits and behaviors that lead to self-harming behavior. Through therapy, people learn how to identify triggers and how to use alternative coping techniques to manage their emotional distress. Additionally, CBT can help people learn healthier ways to express their emotions and improve their overall health.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for self-harm:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is another effective self-harm treatment, especially for borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT combines CBT components with skills training in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, as well as interpersonal skills. This holistic approach gives people a variety of tools and methods to control their emotions and decrease their compulsion to self-harm.
Support groups and peer support for self-harm:
If you’re looking for support groups or peer support for self-harm, you’ve come to the right place. When you connect with other people who have gone through the same struggles as you, you’ll feel like you’re part of a bigger community. You’ll also feel validated and supported.
When you’re in the midst of self-harm, it’s important to have a safe space where you can share your experiences and learn from each other’s successes and failures. It’s also important to find a support group or organization that values confidentiality and provides a nonjudgmental and supportive environment.
Medication and self-harm:
Some self-harm treatment may include medication. Antidepressants, like SSRIs, can help manage depression or anxiety that can lead to self-harm. However, it is important to remember that medication is not a “one-and-done” treatment for self-harm, and must always be prescribed and managed by a licensed healthcare professional.
Therapy and support groups are the most common ways to treat self-harm, but medication can also play a role. Medications can be prescribed to treat mental health conditions that lead to self-harm, including depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
It’s unlikely that medication will completely eliminate self-harm, and it’s often suggested to be used in combination with therapy or another form of treatment. It’s important that the decision to include medication in your treatment plan is made together with your healthcare provider, considering the advantages, disadvantages, and potential side effects.
