Self-Harm Treatment

Self-harm is more common than most people realize. In fact, roughly 15% of college students have reported at least once instance of self-harm in their lifetime. What is more staggering, is that adolescents are reporting a higher percentage of self-harm, meaning the amount of self-harm is increasing. Luckily, there is help. Treatment centers such as Neuroscience Institute specialize in treating self-harm and the underlying issues that may lead to it. It is important that the treatment obtained is individualized to meet the unique needs of the person. It is also imperative that the treatment center chosen offers the level of care that is most appropriate for where they are at in there recovery journey.

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What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm is characterized by people who purposefully inflict injury or pain on themselves. It is usually associated with cutting, but the act can take many other forms. One of the primary issues with self-harm is that people often don’t know how to search for the proper treatment center.

Self-harming behaviors are signs that a person is experiencing deep emotional turmoil and is struggling to cope with the effects of that turmoil. Instead, they utilize their bodies to express their emotions, even if that means hurting themselves. But, by receiving treatment, women and men can learn new coping skills that will allow them to express their emotions in a healthier way while also uncovering the root cause for why the behavior began.

Types Of Self-Harm

There are a number of ways that someone will harm themselves in an effort to obtain some sense of emotional relief. Most notably is cutting, which involves using a sharp object like a razor to cut the skin. Other types of self-harm include the following:

Burning the skin
Punching or hitting themselves
Exercising to excess
Abusing drugs and/or alcohol
Starving themselves or binge-eating
Poisoning themselves with chemicals
Excessive scratching
Head banging
Purposefully breaking bones

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Self-Harm Treatment In West Palm Beach, FL

Common Signs & Symptoms Of Self-Harm

Despite popular belief, self-harm is not a mental health disorder. It is instead a symptom of internal conflict that a person might be experiencing. And, while self-harm can be a condition on its own, it can also be a symptom of several other mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder (BPD).

There are many signs that someone is engaging in this behavior, but it is also important to know that it is not always easy to see that someone is self-harming themselves. That is because those who self-harm often go to great lengths to make sure their injuries are concealed.

Additional Signs Of Self-Harm:

Wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants even when it is warm outside
Broken bones without explanation
Any noticeable injuries are said to be the result of an accident
Keeping sharp objects or lighters close by
Spending a significant amount of time alone
Easily agitated

Effects of Self-Harm

Self-harm can cause more than just negative physical effects. It can also cause immense psychological distress. Additionally, the feelings of shame that someone may feel after engaging in self-harm can cause them to resort back to the behaviors, ultimately resulting in a perpetual, dangerous cycle.

A few examples of the effects that can result from self-harm include:

Permanent scarring
Ongoing feelings of shame and embarrassment
Social isolation
Broken relationships
Inability to focus
Low self-esteem
Suicidal ideation

Why do People Self-Harm?

Statistics on how many people self-harm are not extensive due to the fact that these behaviors are typically done in private and many women and men do not seek treatment.

Self-harm tends to be associated with adolescents and teenagers, but adults can struggle with this behavior too. Self-injury is also frequently linked to those who have experienced trauma, as well as those who suffer from eating disorders.

One common misconception that people have is this behavior is done to draw attention to themselves. That’s not true in most instances. Another misconception is that self-harming is synonymous with suicide attempts, which is also untrue.

Self-harm is a way to seek relief from emotional pain. For some, it can be difficult to express their emotional pain, which is why that expression comes out in other ways. Nonetheless, those unsure of when to get help should seek professional guidance before matters worsten.

Self-Harm Treatment Center In South Florida

Types Of Therapies Used To Treat Self-Harm

Everyone responds to treatment differently. For this reason, we take an individualized approach to the treatment we provide. Therefore, each patient will receive an individualized treatment plan that will guide them through their time at our treatment center.

Examples of the types of therapies that may be part of one’s treatment plan include the following:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Group, individual, and family therapy sessions
Experiential therapies
Motivational interviewing
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
12–Step recovery principles

Self-Harm Treatment Center In South Florida

Getting treatment is extremely important, especially when self-harm is occurring. In addition to learning coping skills that can help them manage feelings of distress, treatment allows individuals to explore some of the reasons that may have impacted their decision to harm themselves.

If you or someone you love needs treatment for self-harm or another mental health condition, do not try to go it alone. At Neuroscience Institute in South Florida, our treatment center can help treat symptoms of self-harm so that life can be lived to its fullest. Our team of professionals will walk you through the admissions process to help you begin your treatment. Contact us right now to get the help you or your loved one needs today.

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Danesh Alam MD, DFAPA, DFASAM( Medical Reviewer )

Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.