If you suspect—or know—a loved one is engaging in self-harm, you may feel helpless. What should you say? What should you do? In this blog post, you’ll learn the basics about self-harm as well as some practical ways to help.
Self-harm, also called self-mutilation, means to purposely hurt one’s body by the act of cutting, scratching, burning, biting, piercing or abusing in some way. Some examples of why a person might choose to engage in self-harm can include
- a desire to replace emotional numbness by feeling physical pain.
- a need to make invisible or internal wounds noticeable to others.
- an attempt to feel in control.
- a need for distraction from other problems.
- an attempt to regulate emotions.
Some signs that a loved one might be engaging in self-harm can include him or her
- wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather (to cover the scars).
- picking at a part of the body where there is a cut or burn.
- sustaining a lot of accidental injuries without clear or reasonable explanations.
- acting defensive or showing an inability to regulate emotions.
- isolating.
Determining a person’s intentions for self-harm can be difficult. If you suspect a person wants to end his or her life, please call 911 or transport them to the nearest emergency room.
It’s important to convey a supportive, nonjudgmental and empathetic demeanor if there’s reason to believe a loved one is self-harming. There are numerous other ways to help, such as
- removing potentially dangerous/sharp objects from the person’s reach.
- encouraging outreach to a professional specializing in treatment for self-harm.
- spending quality time together.
- collaborating on a safety plan.
- encouraging the person to download an app like Calm Harm.
- brainstorming positive alternative coping skills.
Professional counseling at Travco Behavioral Health can help reduce self-harm behaviors, improve daily functioning and reduce emotional dysregulation. Contact us today to learn more!
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Author: Emily Smerchansky, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, at Travco Behavioral Health, received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University in 2017. Emily provides evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, DisruptiveMood Dysregulation Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. She specializes in working with severely traumatized adolescents (age 11-18).
