Unmasking Misconceptions: Understanding Self-Harm
Unmasking Misconceptions: Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm, clinically referred to as “nonsuicidal self-injury” is a sensitive and often misunderstood topic that deserves a second glance. Unfortunately, misconceptions surrounding self-harm persist, contributing to stigma and creating a hindrance to empathy. Let’s explore and debunk some common myths to foster a more compassionate understanding.
It’s Just Attention Seeking
One prevailing misconception suggests that those who engage in self-harming behaviors are merely seeking attention. In reality, self-harm often stems from deep-rooted emotional distress and/or mental health-related struggles and disorders. Dismissing it as simply “attention-seeking” leads to a simplification of the complex reasoning behind these behaviors. This oversimplifies the need for support and often causes the individual suffering from the behavior to feel further isolation causing increases in the urges to harm. There is a shame surrounding self-harm, therefore those who typically engage in the behavior will often seek to cover their wounds or to hide them. Studies show that self-harming is a behavior that co-exists with a need to relieve emotional pain or trauma, and those who engage in the behavior do not like or seek attention.
Self-harm Equals Suicide
While self-harm can be associated with suicidal thoughts, it is not synonymous with the desire to end life. Individuals who utilize self-harm as a coping mechanism are doing so to deal with overwhelming emotions, escape their thoughts and/or emotions, or as an attempt to improve their mood. Unlike suicidal ideations, where a person is thinking about suicide and creating plans for such, a person acting in self-harm is impulsive and often does not include significant planning. However, contrary to self-harm and suicide being separate concerns, those that do self-harm are at an increased risk for co-occurring risks of suicide.
Self-harm is Only Cutting
Cutting is considered by most to be the “staple” form of self-harm; however, it is essential to recognize that self-harm encompasses various behaviors. Additional types of self-harm include burning, hitting, pinching, or any other action that can intentionally inflict pain. Understanding miscellany is crucial for identifying and addressing different ways to assist the individual with coping mechanisms.
It’s Only a Teenage Issue
Contrary to popular belief, self-harm is not exclusive to adolescents. Self-harm does present often in adolescents, however people of all ages and backgrounds can struggle with self-harm. By understanding that anyone could be affected by self-harm promotes a more inclusive and understanding approach to those in need.
It’s Just a Phase, You Will Grow Out of It
Although self-harm is most often used as a coping mechanism, it is not a healthy or adaptive choice for managing emotions and stress. Even though self-harm itself is not a suicide attempt nor is used as such, those who continue to engage in self-harm are more likely to attempt suicide at a later point in life. Those that act in self-harm are at an increased risk for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Therefore, self-harm represents more than simply a phase. Self-harm is an unhealthy coping mechanism that can lead to a multitude of consequences if left unaddressed.
There is No Cure
Psychological treatment such as therapy is available to those who self-harm and it is greatly effective. Individuals who engage in self-harm are utilizing an unhealthy way of coping. Healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions, stress, and trauma is available. Therapy can help the individual resolve underlying issues that may have contributed to the self-harm, such as depression or anxiety. Medication may also be necessary in some instances to assist with co-occurring scenarios where mental health conditions are co-joint with the behaviors of self-harm. Psychological interventions are effective in the treatment of self-harm. Common intervention therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and many others. Such interventions are effective in reducing the occurrence of self-harm and providing additional support tailored to the individual’s needs.
In conclusion, dispelling misconceptions surrounding self-harm is a crucial step toward fostering empathy and support. Approaching this topic with empathy, recognizing the multifaceted nature of self-harm, and promoting further communication that encourages understanding rather than assumptions will continue to dismantle the misconceptions, thus contributing to a more compassionate and informed community.
