Self Harm

What is self-harm?

Self-harm refers to the act of deliberately hurting oneself, such as cutting, burning, scratching, or other methods, as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or difficult feelings. While it is not intended as a suicide attempt, self-harm can have serious consequences for both a person's physical and emotional health. People may engage in self-harm as a way to release or distract from intense feelings or to gain a sense of control over their emotions. When self-harm becomes frequent or habitual, it can lead to further physical and emotional harm, and the individual may struggle to break the cycle without support.

Types of self-harm

Self-harm can take various forms, and each person’s experience is unique. Some forms may cause more immediate damage, while others may be less visible but still harmful.

Common types of self-harm include:

• Cutting: This is the most common form of self-harm, where individuals use sharp objects to create cuts on their skin, often on less visible areas of the body, such as the arms or thighs.
• Burning: Some people may use matches, lighters, or other heated objects to burn their skin as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions.
• Scratching: Repeatedly scratching or picking at the skin, sometimes leading to open sores or scarring, is another common form of self-harm.
• Banging or hitting the body: This involves actions like punching walls, hitting oneself, or engaging in other forms of physical impact to cause pain.
• Hair pulling (Trichotillomania): Some individuals engage in pulling out their hair as a way to cope with emotional distress or anxiety.

Signs of self-harm

Recognising self-harm can be challenging, particularly if the person is concealing their behaviour.

However, there are several signs that may suggest someone is struggling with self-harm:

• Frequent injuries or unexplained wounds: Regular cuts, burns, or scars that may be hidden or denied could be a sign of self-harm.
• Wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather: Individuals who self-harm may wear clothing to conceal their injuries, especially during warmer months.
• Emotional distress or mood swings: A person may exhibit emotional instability, experiencing periods of intense sadness, anxiety, or anger.
• Isolation or withdrawal: Those who self-harm may withdraw from social situations or avoid relationships out of shame or fear of being discovered.
• Secretive behaviour: People who self-harm often hide their behaviour, becoming secretive about their physical appearance and emotional well-being.
• Engaging in other risky behaviours: Self-harm may sometimes be accompanied by other harmful behaviours such as substance abuse, eating disorders, or reckless actions.

The impact of self-harm

Self-harm can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences, such as:

• Physical harm: Repeated self-harm can cause scarring, infections, and permanent physical damage to the body. In more severe cases, injuries may become life-threatening.
• Emotional distress: Although self-harm may temporarily relieve emotional pain, it ultimately exacerbates feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth, deepening emotional distress.
• Isolation and strained relationships: Self-harm can lead to strained relationships with friends, family, and loved ones, particularly if the person feels they cannot openly talk about their behaviour.
• Mental health issues: Self-harm is often linked to underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or borderline personality disorder. It can worsen mental health, sometimes leading to thoughts of suicide.

How to manage and overcome self-harm

Overcoming self-harm requires understanding, support, and the right treatment.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, there are several strategies and resources available to help:

Seeking professional help:

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based therapies commonly used to help individuals manage their emotional distress and reduce self-harm.
• Counselling: Speaking with a therapist or counsellor can help uncover the underlying causes of self-harm and develop healthier coping strategies.

Developing healthy coping mechanisms:

• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions can provide an outlet for distressing feelings and help to process difficult emotions.
• Relaxation techniques: Mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress and reduce the emotional triggers for self-harm.
• Physical activities: Exercise, creative activities, or hobbies can serve as healthy alternatives to cope with emotional pain.

Support groups:

• Support networks: Groups such as the Self-Harm Support Australia community or online forums can offer a safe space to share experiences and receive support.
• Family and friends: Building a strong support system of trusted people can provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.

Developing a safety plan:

• Crisis plans: Working with a therapist to develop a safety plan can be crucial. This plan could include reaching out to someone for help, using distraction techniques, or engaging in grounding exercises when the urge to self-harm arises.

Helplines and online resources:

• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): Provides 24/7 confidential support for individuals experiencing emotional distress or self-harm urges.
• Headspace: Offers online and in-person counselling for young people struggling with mental health issues, including self-harm.
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800): A free, confidential helpline for young people seeking support for mental health or self-harm.

How we can help

If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, reaching out for help is the first step toward recovery. Our team is committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space to talk through emotional challenges and learn healthier coping strategies. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, you can begin the journey to healing.