Bridging the Gap - Health Equity for all

Cutting the Stigma of Self-Injury is the Real Way to Cope

Published on:

15 Mar 2024, 8:00 am

What could bring a person to inflict harm upon themselves? Why would they even feel the need to do that in the first place? These are reasonable questions from an outsider’s perspective on self-injury. For most people, the concept of cutting, burning, or hitting yourself is inconceivable, yet it’s more common than you’d think. Definition of the term. Known in clinical circles as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), these patients may carve or cut their skin, hit objects or themselves, inflict burns on themselves, embed objects under the skin, or engage in some other behavior designed to cause themselves pain but not end their lives. Targets of self-injury. The main targets for the injuries are the hands, wrists, thighs, and stomach, though the injuries may appear anywhere on the body. Razor blades, pencils, or pocketknives are among the more common weapons of choice. Serious damage is common. Two studies of college students found that around a third of those reporting self-injury hurt themselves so badly that they required medical attention, yet only a small percentage sought treatment. Prevalence. For adults, self-injury has a lifetime rate of around 5%. As many as 17% of adolescents were found to have engaged in it at least once, according to an international meta-analysis of 52 studies. Underreporting of males. According to the APA, the public perception of self-injury tends to linger on young white females, but at least 35% (if not half) of self-injurers are male. Presentation of the issue is different among the sexes, and this may distort results on males through underreporting. Males are more likely to deliberately bruise themselves, have others do it, or hurt themselves while taking a substance. Demographics. People self-harm regardless of socioeconomic status or race. Those of a sexual minority background may be at higher risk: gay and bisexual males report self-injury more often than heterosexual males. In UK research, bisexual females have been found to be more likely to self-harm, experience eating disorders, and feel depressed, compared to lesbian women. However, both groups are at an elevated risk of self-harm compared to heterosexual women. Why do people self-harm? There are no hard and fast rules for why people self-harm, but in most cases, it has to do with coping with overwhelming emotional pain. Self-harm is typically a symptom of deeper psychological distress and should be treated with kindness and empathy. Other reasons include: <ul> <li>An attempt to feel in control of distressing emotions</li> <li>To punish oneself</li> <li>Relieving unbearable distress</li> <li>A cry for help</li> <li>A response to intrusive thoughts</li> </ul> <figure><img alt="Self-harm" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/lqLj9WTKoX/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Precursors to Self-Injury. Source: Przemub/Wikimedia</figcaption> </figure> Sources of emotional pain. The source of the pain could be a singular traumatic incident, ongoing issues related to work, sexuality, or relationships, or psychological issues. Below are some examples of the causes: <ul> <li>Pressure at work or school</li> <li>Bullying</li> <li>Financial struggles </li> <li>Abuse — sexual, physical, or emotional</li> <li>Loss of a loved one</li> <li>Homophobia or transphobia </li> <li>End of a relationship</li> <li>Job loss</li> <li>Health issues </li> <li>Poor self-esteem</li> <li>Depression, anxiety, anger, or numbness</li> </ul> Stigma. Mental health awareness is leagues ahead of where it was in previous decades, but self-injury remains stuck in the shadows. It’s prevalent, but stigma and misunderstanding bog down efforts to help. How stigma plays out. <ul> <li>Misunderstanding. Given the many misconceptions out there as to why people self-harm, it’s no wonder those suffering are met with doubt and derision. Some people view the act as attention-seeking behavior or a sign of weakness rather than a coping mechanism for underlying emotional distress. </li> <li>Judgment. The perplexing and sometimes horrifying nature of self-injury can cause the ignorant to cast judgment. Those who self-injure may be unfairly blamed for their actions, with critics failing to recognize the trauma, mental health struggles, and life circumstances influencing their behavior. </li> <li>Stereotyping. The typical image of someone who self-harms is either a teenager or someone with a major mental health problem. This leads to stereotyping and marginalization. </li> <li>Fear. The shame brought about by stigma makes matters worse by causing patients to avoid social interactions or healthcare settings. This gets in the way of allowing individuals to disclose their struggles and seek the support they need. </li> <li>Professional consequences. Work and academic performances can suffer because of self-injury, which can diminish career prospects. Many are reluctant to raise the issue with an employer because of stigma. Work relationships may fracture, absenteeism may increase, and one’s reputation may be damaged.</li> </ul> Deconstructing stigma. Removing the chain and ball of stigma is essential to create a supportive and compassionate environment in which individuals feel able to seek help, access treatment, and work toward recovery. Misconceptions need to be challenged, empathy and understanding should be cherished, and open dialogue on mental health and emotional wellbeing must be fostered. Reducing stigma ultimately creates a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone. Breaking the cycle. <ul> <li>Professional help. Self-harm is a complicated reaction to a complicated issue, so resolving the root cause is best achieved with the help of a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide assessments, support, and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. <figure><img alt="Tips for Talking to Doctor about Mental Health" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Qd9awzFgdg/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Tips for Talking about Mental Health. Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)</figcaption> </figure> </li> <li>Identify and address underlying issues. Through therapy, you can explore and process the underlying issues driving the urge to self-harm, be it trauma, poor self-esteem, or relationship conflicts that are the problem. </li> <li>Developing coping strategies. If cutting oneself is a way to cope, then we need to develop healthier ways of managing those feelings when they strike. Alternatives such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, journaling, or a creative outlet can reel in that urge to self-injure. <figure><img alt="Alternatives to Self Harm" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8ojza3CLo7/thumbnail.png" /> <figcaption>Alternatives to Self Harm. Source: MissLunaRose12/Wikimedia</figcaption> </figure> </li> <li>Support network. Surround yourself with people who care. Friends, family members, or support groups can lend validation, understanding, and encouragement during your recovery process. </li> <li>Self-care. Part of the recovery package is making sure you’re taking care of your fundamental needs. Exercise, adequate sleep, following a nutritious diet, and engaging in hobbies will boost your overall wellbeing and resilience on the road to recovery.</li> </ul> <h2>More on Self-Harm</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/rjyggq50yj-self-harm" target="_blank">Self-Harm: Risk Factors, Treatment, Prevention</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/vwd778os4w-mental-health" target="_blank">Take Control of Your Mental Health</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/m7x7lk2cpw-psychotherapy" target="_blank">Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)</a></li></ul>

storymd