How To Respond If Someone Near You Has Self Harm Behaviour?

Author : Dr.Tulika | 27 Dec 2023

What Is The Definition Of Self-Harm?

Have you just discovered a disturbing secret about somebody you know? It may be unfortunate and difficult to comprehend when a colleague or loved one self-harms. You might be wondering what you may do to assist or whether you should keep their activity hidden. While self-injury may provide a brief sensation of relief or serenity, it is frequently followed by remorse, humiliation, and a return to mental distress. Sometimes people who self-harm may not want to commit suicide, self-harm carries the danger of more catastrophic, even deadly effects. It's critical to take self-harm carefully and not to dismiss it. You can't save them from the agony by being their superhero, but you could be there for someone when they need you.

Self-harm, also known as no suicidal self-injury, is a way used by some people to deal with psychological pain or discomfort that may not always be a suicide attempt. The method and manner in which someone self-injures oneself might vary, making it difficult to discern. Most persons who self-damage do it in various ways, but they most commonly injure their hands, forearms, abdomen, or legs. Self-harm can vary from minor acts like scratching or obstructing wound healing to more brutal acts like cutting, poisoning, or beating oneself.

Young people are more likely to self-injure. People who self-harm are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Self-harm can take numerous forms, and its frequency varies from individual to individual — some people self-harm only once, while others self-harm for years. Self-harm is usually a symptom of experiencing a lot of emotional anguish and distress. Whether you're looking for help for yourself or somebody you care about, there are a variety of resources available.

Who Is The Most Vulnerable To Self-Harm Behaviour?

Self-harming behaviours can affect anybody, but young individuals are more likely to engage in them. Self-harm is a regular occurrence. One who self-harms is not weak, insane, or looking for attention. It just indicates they are overburdened by how they are currently feeling, and this is a method they believe would help them feel good. Self-harm can happen when facing various challenging emotions, extreme stress, and life events. There is no obvious explanation why some individuals injure themselves while others do not.

An individual may feel calmer for a short time after self-harm, but this sensation will not endure long. If a person continues to self-harm, it might exacerbate the situation. It might be harmful to their bodily or mental health, as well as their interpersonal connections. Self-harming can also become addictive and difficult to quit. It has links to a variety of traumatic situations, including:

● Stress at job or school 

● Abuse 

● Bullying or body shaming 

● Monetary concerns 

● Sorrow or mourning 

● Friends, relatives, or others that disagree with their sexuality or identity 

● Break up in relationships or the loss of friends 

● A disease or health issue 

● Adversity, abuse, or neglect as a youngster 

● Depression, anxiety, rage, or numbness are examples of powerful or challenging feelings people may experience due to a mental health disease. 

● Being a member of a self-harming group 

● Relationship issues with family, friends, or the community 

Providing Support To Someone Who Self-Harms

People with self harm require compassion, understanding, and mental health awareness to rehabilitate. Others' stigma may be harmful, preventing them from receiving the help they require. Half of the people never seek treatment. If you suspect a friend or family member is self-harming, attempt to talk to that person about it and urge them to get professional treatment. Don't try to persuade them to quit; this will make things worse. If handled in a supportive manner, talking to persons who self-harm regarding their behaviour may be safe and beneficial.

● Avoid making hasty decisions. They may be concerned that people will judge them or consider them suicidal if they continue to self-harm. They may shut down further as a result of this. 

● Seek to comprehend. Genuinely want to know how something benefits such a person, what purpose it serves, and why they do it. It could be helpful to know the sort of injury, how often it occurs if they have concurrent mental health concerns, their desire to get care, and their risk of suicide. 

● Be encouraging. Even if you don't understand the person's behaviour, try to encourage and assure them that you will be around for them. 

● Don't disregard the possibility. You should not belittle or mock the person's activities. 

● Don't expect promises. Asking someone to pledge they won't damage themselves might be much more traumatic for them. This question may also help them feel as though they no longer control what happens. Unfortunately, if they injure themselves, they will also be responsible for disappointing you. 

● Accept and normalize their feelings (you don't have to convince them they're wrong) since individuals deal in different ways and gently urge them to get treatment. You can calmly explain that self harm may be helping them feel relief from distress but they need to work on the deeper source of their distress and why their conduct isn't functioning for them and volunteer to assist them. 

● Get treatment right once if they are gravely harmed or have consumed any harmful drugs. Call 111 and request an ambulance to take them to the nearest hospital's emergency department. 

● Inquire if you have any concerns that they may be thinking of suicide. It has the potential to save their lives. Inquiring about suicide will not cause them to consider it. 

● Ask them if they want to chat about what's going on in their lives, and then wait. Remember that they may not want to open up right immediately, but simply letting them realize you are present for them will go a long way. 

● Please encourage them to seek professional treatment, such as a doctor or a counsellor. If at all feasible, join them.

Conclusion

Although most persons who self-harm do not intend to die, their conduct can become more regular and compulsive as they seek ways to cope with overwhelming emotions. They may experience emotions of humiliation, self-loathing, and helplessness, as well as suicidal thoughts. Self-harm is common among those who attempt suicide. Various websites offer knowledge and assistance options if your loved one has trouble coping. Learning about self-harm habits, causes, and therapy, as well as speaking with others who have experienced what you are, can be beneficial. Counsellors, psychiatrist in Dubai, and support networks for patients and their parents, relatives, and friends can assist them in their recovery.

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