| Self-Injury and Self-Mutilation | |
The term "self-injury" refers to a number of behaviors that involve intentional self-directed and self-inflicted harm to one's body. There is almost always some other larger problem(s) the individual is dealing with that leads to this behavior. These problems range from social and developmental problems to serious psychiatric problems. There are several theories as to why people indulge in self-mutilation. One is that it's a control issue. When children are abused, they are in a situation of no control. When the child grows older and is faced with stressful situations, there is often a strong desire/expectation for some sort of pain. Since pain is associated with stress in that person's mind, people who have had these associations forced on them find the need to cut or harm themselves. And while the cutting itself is harmful and can cause shame and guilt later, for them, the control feels good. 1 |
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Types of Self-Injury |
Cutting is the most frequently reported self-injurious behavior. It is the act of purposefully making scratches or cuts on your body with a sharp object. People may cut themselves on their wrists, arms, legs, or stomachs. The way people talk about it, cutting can almost seem like the latest fad. But cutting is a serious problem. As guys and girls hear about cutting, they may feel curious about it. Because it seems a bit outlawed, some younger teens may think that cutting might make them seem daring, grown up, or popular. |
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Burning is less common but is also a serious problem. It is the act of purposefully using the butt end of cigarettes, lighters, or lighted matches to burn the skin.2 |
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Other forms of self-injury are ripping out hair, punching, hitting and scratching; choking, constricting of the airway; self-biting of hands, limbs, tongue, lips, or arms; picking at wounds, ulcers, or sutures; stabbing self with wire, pins, needles, nails, staples, pens, or hair accessories; ingesting corrosive chemicals, batteries, or pens; self-poisoning; for example by over-dosing on medication and/or alcohol, without suicidal intent.3 |
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Why People Purposefully Harm Themselves |
Cutting is a way some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. They may be dealing with feelings that seem too difficult to bear, or bad situations they think can't change. Most people who self injure themselves tend to be perfectionists, are unable to handle intense feelings and express their emotions verbally, and have a strong dislike for themselves and their bodies. Although some teenagers may feel like the steam in the pressure cooker has been released following the act of harming themselves, others may feel hurt, anger, fear and hate..4 |
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You Are Not Alone and You Can Get Help |
Tell someone. People who have stopped cutting often say the first step is the hardest — admitting to or talking about cutting. But they also say that after they open up about it, they often feel a great sense of relief. Telling someone you can trust is most important when opening up. |
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Identify the trouble that's triggering the cutting. Cutting is a way of reacting to emotional pain. The second step is figuring out what is triggering the emotional pain and removing oneself from the situation or environment. Many people have trouble doing this part on their own. This is where a mental health professional can be helpful. |
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Ask for help. If the person you ask doesn't help you get the assistance you need, ask someone else. Sometimes adults try to downplay the problems teens have or think they're just a phase. This is when REALLY GOOD friends come in handy. Or, talk to an adult you trust such as a teacher, parent, counselor, etc. |
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Work on it. After you do get help, surrounding yourself with positive influences in your life really puts a spin on things. Seeing a counselor or a mental help specialist can help you sort out really deep emotions that you may still be feeling. 5 |
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If you ever have any strong feelings about hurting yourself, |
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References: |
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1 http://cpyu.org/Page.aspx?id=77265 2 http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-injury 4 http://aacap.org/page.ww?section=Facts+for+Families&name=Self-Injury+In+Adolescents 5 http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html 6 http://crisisconnectioninc.org/sexualassault/self-mutilation.htm |
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