Self-harm means intentionally hurting oneself, notes Dr. Nelly Cecilia Capetillo Ventura, child and adolescent psychiatry specialist at ABC Medical Center. However, someone who self-harms isn’t necessarily experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.
There are various reasons that can lead someone to self-harm, but one of the most common is using it as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions. This means the person hasn’t learned healthy ways to regulate their emotions.
Mental Health America notes that the most common methods of self-harm are, in order, cutting the skin, hitting oneself in the head, and burning.
In these cases, when someone experiences intense emotions and struggles to cope with them, they may use self-harm as a form of self-punishment. In recent years, there’s also been a trend of using it to feel a sense of belonging within a group, which is more common among adolescents.
Another concerning trend, notes Dr. Capetillo, is that this type of behavior has been on the rise since the 1960s.
Self-harm is often associated with various mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, as well as substance use, anxiety, or depression. However, it’s important to understand that self-harm isn’t always linked to a mental health condition.
That said, while self-harm isn’t necessarily tied to suicidal thoughts or attempts, it does increase the risk, given the severity of injuries it can cause.
Dr. Capetillo notes that if you know someone, a family member, friend, or acquaintance, who may be self-harming, it’s important to respond with empathy, without judgment or criticism, while offering support in finding information and addressing the situation.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If something is affecting your mental health, or that of someone you know, seek help from a professional before the situation worsens.
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
