Why do people self harm?
Posted by Katie in Depression, Eating Disorders, Self Harm
What is self-harm?
People can self-harm in many different ways: they may cut, scratch, bite or burn their own skin, they may take a drug overdose or swallow objects or put harmful objects inside themselves or under their skin. It could be said that eating disorders or addictions to alcohol and drugs can also be seen as self-harming. It is, however, a way of expressing very deep emotional distress.
Why do people self-harm
Self-harm occurs for a variety of reasons, and it’s again difficult for many to grasp that suicide or the ending of life may not be the aim at all for many. Often, many people don’t even understand fully themselves why the self-harm. A person who self-harms is likely, however, to have gone through very difficult, painful experiences as a child or young adult.
There are some intriguing new biochemical theories which posit that some self-harmers, like repeat self-cutters, may have, over time, gradually become addicted to the release of internal or endogenous morphine, or opiate like substances. These are chemicals the body releases naturally whenever it encounters pain or the possibility of soreness. So it could be that cutting yourself releases these hormones and similar substances which lead to a kind of ‘high’ or anti-depressant effect.
Support and treatment for Self-Harm
The first step is to acknowledge the problem and talk to someone. By speaking confidentially with one of our experienced therapists it will:
- Help identify the root cause of the issue
- Identify the triggers that lead to the self-harming behaviour
- Teach new methods of creating calm and self-soothing rather than relying on self-harming
- Teach new ways of expressing difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, fear or distress in a healthy way.
How can we help?
Clinical Partners have a team of Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Psychotherapists who are experienced in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Self-harm and they will be able to offer full support and advice for you and your family. Dr Ougrin is one of the country’s leading experts within this field.
We also can support you if you feel that you are suffering from related depression or other issues which can be connected including: alcohol and substance abuse or eating disorders.
By calling our Admissions Counsellor on 0845 026 8099 you will be able to talk in confidence about your situation and we can recommend a specialist to assist you.
