What is behind self-harming intention?

by Rudra Dahal

A self-imposed injury or harm is an injury that a person does on purpose, a behavioural problem and a sign of emotional distress. It can be called by names such as self-injury, parasuicidal behaviour, self-harm, or self-mutation. Those people usually injure their arms, hands, legs, thigh, or torso as these parts have easy access, and they can hide them easily with their clothes. Some people injure their scalp as they can hide the wound with their hair or hat. According to Mental Health America, the common method of self-injuries are burning (15-35) %, head banging (21-44) %, and skin cutting (70-90) %.

                Image credit: pixabay

Most people who have driven to self-harm use more than one method. Other than aforementioned, self-inflicted consists of:

• Hair pulling,
• Playing with healing wounds,
• Scratching,
• Inserting objects in body openings (nose, ear, mouth),
• Punching,
• Hitting,
• Intentionally exposed to toxins,
• Jumping (from high walls, heights, or dangerous areas),
• Drinking harmful liquids (detergent, body spray, insect killer

Reasons self-harming?

The reason for self-harming is complex. Misunderstanding, isolation, rejection, loneliness, family problems, and feeling threatened are apparent reasons for self-inflicted injury. Likewise, many people use these behaviours to cope with difficult situations such as severe pain. Many people attempt it to address their difficult circumstances, such as fear, shame, guilt, anger, and sadness. To make it easy, people self-harm to:

• Express the pain they are intentionally feeling, particularly if they struggle or are unable    to express through words,
• Communication distress,
• Escaping from anguish,
• Distract themselves from painful emotions or memories,
• Escaping a situation that is unfavourable for them,
• Punish themselves for their perceived emotions or perceived failures,
• Changing other people’s behaviour,
• Seeking help or attention.

Who are vulnerable?

Self-injury is more common among teenagers and young adults than other age groups. According to Mental Health America, approximately 15% of teenagers, 17-35% of college students, and up to 40% of adults self-harm in the United States of America. People who have self-harming tendencies may experience bullying, academic pressure or failure, life tragedy, or unsuccessful life. Some groups who are vulnerable are: 

1. Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual: People who belong to a sexual minority like Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual are more prone to self-harm. Self-harming is directly related to violence, harassment, and discrimination.
2. People with mental health conditions: Self-harm is a sign of mental health conditions. It can be a manifestation of self-loathing or coping with severe feelings caused by the mental health condition. People with any mental health status can self-harm to them, but the person who has obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviour is mainly associated with it, such as:

• Substance abuse disorder 
• Anxiety and depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorder
• Post-traumatic disorder

How do you know people have self-harming tendencies?

There are some signs of a person who harms themself:

• Always covering arms and legs even in the hot weather
• Having unexplained scars
• Frequent injuries, cuts, bruises, burns, bites, or broken skin and bones
• Difficult with schoolwork, personal tasks, or relationships
• Showing extreme anger or sadness
• Low self-esteem
• Desire to punish self
• Developing different mental health conditions like eating disorders or substance abuse

How to prevent/manage self-harm?

It is possible to stop self-harming by applying the following measures:

1. Reach out for help: talk to trusted friends or family members about painful feelings or experiences. If it is impossible to talk to them, then talk to the schoolteacher, nurse, family doctor, counsellor, or trusted community members. If talking is not feasible, write an email, a letter, or a diary. 
2. Find professional help: It is always beneficial to seek professional assistance to solve the problem.
3. Remove self-harming equipment out of reach: It is wise to keep those items out of access of the person who uses them to harm themselves. For instance, keep sharp items, hazardous liquids, and other items locked (keep them securely).
4. Use of distraction techniques: Watching TV or movies in a group, playing with animals, calling a friend, engaging in social activities, exercising, walking, etc.
5. Releasing pent-up feelings: When feeling painful situations/emotions- try alternate ways to express or release them by:
   • Crying,
   • Shouting or screaming,
   • Scribbling or ripping up papers,
   • Writing or talking to somebody to vent feelings.
6. Use of temporary substitutes: Some individual finds it helpful to try temporary and safe substitutes:
7. Gently snapping an elastic band on the wrist,
8. Rubbing an ice cube on the skin,
9. Drawing on the skin where a person would like typically to injure the part.
10. Not leaving your child (ren) alone for a long time.

In conclusion, self-hurting is a behavioural problem that can be seen in any age group. People with sexual minorities and grieving from mental health issues are prone to this problem. Parents or guardians should keep in mind that if the typical behaviour changes for their family members, they need to find out what is going on with them. This issue can be addressed by listening to your children, providing love, affection, and equal opportunities, and in later stages seeking professional help.