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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Another concerning trend, notes Dr. Capetillo, is that this type of behavior has been on the rise since the 1960s.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
At ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n