Athira PR, clinical psychologist at Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai,
What is the no suicidal self-harm?
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH), also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to the deliberate, self-inflicted harm to one’s body without the intention of ending one’s life. This behavior is typically a way for individuals to cope with emotional pain, intense anger, or frustration. Common forms of NSSH include cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting oneself.
What are the reasons that lead a person to practice self-harm?
Emotional Regulation: Many individuals engage in self-harm as a way to manage overwhelming emotions or to feel a sense of control.
Expression of Pain: Self-harm can be a means to express feelings that are difficult to articulate.
Physical Distraction: The physical pain of self-injury can temporarily distract from emotional pain.
Punishment: Some people use self-harm as a form of self-punishment for perceived faults or mistakes.
Feeling Real: For some, self-harm provides a way to feel “real” or grounded when they feel numb or disconnected.
Insufficient Coping Skills: Individuals who lack healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress or emotional pain may turn to self-harm as a last resort.
Inadequate Support Systems: A lack of supportive relationships or resources can leave individuals feeling isolated and more prone to self-harm.
What are the forms of self-harm?
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) can take many forms, as individuals engage in different types of behaviors to cope with their emotional or psychological distress. Common forms of NSSH include:
Physical Self-Harm
1.Cutting: Using sharp objects like razors, knives, or glass to make cuts on the skin, usually on the arms, legs, or abdomen.
2.Burning: Using heat sources such as lighters, matches, or cigarettes to burn the skin.
3.Scratching: Repeatedly scratching oneself, sometimes to the point of breaking the skin.
4.Hitting or Banging: Punching oneself or banging body parts against hard surfaces.
5.Carving: Carving words or symbols into the skin with sharp objects.
6.Pulling Hair: Repeatedly pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas.
7.Biting: Biting oneself to cause pain and injury.
Ingesting Harmful Substances
1.Poisoning: Ingesting non-lethal amounts of toxic substances or medications.
2.Overdosing: Taking more than the recommended dose of medications or other substances, but not with the intention to end one’s life.
Interfering with Wound Healing
1.Picking at Scabs: Repeatedly picking at healing wounds or scabs to reopen them.
Embedding Objects
Inserting Objects: Placing foreign objects under the skin or into the body.
Other Harmful Behaviors
1.Excessive Exercise: Exercising to the point of causing injury or significant physical harm.
2.Restrictive Eating or Fasting: Deliberately not eating or following extreme diets to cause harm, though this can overlap with eating disorders.
Risky Behaviors
Engaging in Dangerous Activities: Participating in activities that are likely to cause harm, such as reckless driving or unsafe sexual practices.
What feeling does a person who practices this behavior have before, during, and after?
The feelings experienced by a person who engages in non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) can vary widely before, during, and after the act. However, some common emotional patterns are observed:
Before Self-Harm
1.Intense Emotional Distress: Individuals often feel overwhelmed by negative emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, anxiety, or loneliness.
2.Numbness: Some may feel emotionally numb or disconnected and seek to feel something tangible.
3.Tension or Agitation: A build-up of tension or agitation that feels unbearable and demands an outlet.
4.Self-Loathing: Feelings of self-hatred or guilt can precede the act of self-harm.
5.Desperation: A sense of desperation or a …
what are the risks involved?
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) carries several risks, both physical and psychological.
Physical Risks
1.Infection: Open wounds from cutting, scratching, or other forms of self-harm can become infected, especially if not properly cared for.
2.Scarring: Repeated self-harm can lead to permanent scarring, which can have long-term aesthetic and 3.psychological effects.
Nerve Damage: Deep cuts or burns can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or loss of function in the affected area.
4.Blood Loss: Severe self-harm can result in significant blood loss, leading to anemia or other serious health complications.
5.Organ Damage: Inserting objects or causing deep injuries can damage internal organs, which may require medical intervention…
How can a person who practices this habit prevent himself from doing it again if it has developed into a habit?
1.Seek Professional Help
Therapy: Engage with a mental health professional experienced in treating self-harm. 2.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are particularly effective.
3.Medication: If underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety are present, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may help.
4.Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
5.Distraction Techniques: Engage in activities that occupy your mind and hands, such as drawing, reading, playing a musical instrument, or solving puzzles.
6.Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to release endorphins and reduce stress.
7.Mindfulness and Relaxation: Prac…
Among which age group is this behavior prevalent?
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults.self harm behaviors often begin in early adolescence, around ages 12 to 14, and can peak during the mid to late teenage years.The prevalence of self-harm remains relatively high in young adulthood as individuals navigate significant life transitions, such as leaving home, starting college or work, and developing new relationships. Young adults may continue to struggle with mental health issues that began in adolescence, contributing to ongoing self-harm behaviors.
What are the factors that push a person to take this approach?
Emotional Regulation: Self-harm can be a way to manage overwhelming emotions, such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or frustration. It provides a temporary sense of relief or control.
Coping Mechanism: For some, self-harm is a maladaptive coping strategy for dealing with stress, trauma, or emotional pain.
Self-Punishment: Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-hatred can lead individuals to harm themselves as a form of punishment.
Depression and Anxiety: People with depression or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of self-harm due to their intense emotional distress.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Self-harm is a common symptom of BPD, often used to cope with intense emotions and interpersona…
are the complications of this non suicidal self-harm?
Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) can lead to sveral complications, including:
Physical Injuries: Repeated self-harm can result in infections, scarring, or damage to nerves, tissues, and organs.
Mental Health Issues: It often coexists with or exacerbates conditions like depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
Social and Relational Problems: NSS can strain relationships with family and friends, and may lead to social isolation or difficulty in maintaining personal and professional relationships.
Risk of Escalation: There is a potential for the severity of self-harm behaviors to increase over time, and in some cases, it may lead to suicidal behaviors.
Interference with Daily Functioni…
Are there specialized authorities that a person suffering from this problem can turn to for treatment?
self-harm can seek help from various specialized professionals:
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can provide a diagnosis and prescribe medication if needed.
Psychologists: Experts in therapy who can offer counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address self-harm behaviors.
Licensed Therapists: Such as clinical social workers or marriage and family therapists, who are trained in different therapeutic techniques.
Counselors: Specialize in mental health and emotional support.
Support Groups: Offer peer support and shared experiences which can be valuable in recovery.
Seeking help from a mental health professional who has experience with self…
What is your comment regarding those who practice this behavior in public places that are away from people’s eyes? Like schools
Non-suicidal self-harm, even if done in private or away from public view, is a serious issue that often indicates underlying emotional distress or mental health challenges. Engaging in such behavior in places like schools might reflect a need for a safe space or a way to cope with intense feelings.
It’s important for individuals who engage in this behavior to seek professional help to address the root causes and find healthier coping mechanisms. Schools and other institutions should provide resources and support for students struggling with these issues, ensuring that there are confidential and accessible avenues for seeking help.
Is this behavior common among school students? At what age stage
Yes, non-suicidal self-harm is relatively common among school students, particularly during adolescence. Research suggests that this behavior is most prevalent among teenagers, with studies showing that around 10-20% of adolescents may engage in self-harm at some point.
It often begins in middle school (ages 11-14) and can continue into high school (ages 15-18). Adolescents might use self-harm as a way to cope with emotional distress, stress, or mental health issues. Schools and parents need to be aware of these behaviors and provide appropriate support and intervention.
Can anyone who notices someone practicing this behavior report him to the competent authorities?
Yes, anyone who notices someone engaging in non-suicidal self-harm should take the situation seriously and consider reporting it to appropriate authorities or seeking help.it can sometimes teachers, School Counselors or Psychologists and Parents or Guardians
It’s important to approach the situation with sensitivity and care, focusing on providing support rather than judgment. The goal is to ensure the person gets the help they need in a compassionate and confidential manner.
Can a person who practices this behavior develop thoughts of suicide?
Yes, individuals who engage in non-suicidal self-harm can sometimes develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors, though the two are not the same. Non-suicidal self-harm is often used as a coping mechanism to manage emotional pain, but it can be a risk factor for more severe mental health issues, including suicidal ideation.
It’s important for anyone who self-harms to be evaluated by a mental health professional. Early intervention and treatment can help address the underlying issues and reduce the risk of developing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If there are any indications of increased risk of suicide, immediate support and intervention are crucial.
Do you have a case study that supports non-suicidal self-injury?
Yes, I have an old patient,A 15-year-old female adolescent presented with multiple superficial cuts on her arms and . She reported engaging in this behavior over the past year, typically during periods of intense emotional distress or after conflicts with family and peers.The self-injury involved cutting with a small blade, occurring approximately once a week. The behavior was a way to cope with overwhelming feelings and to regain a sense of control.
After the detailed evaluation given treatment services including therapy focused on changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, while DBT provided skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Over several months, the patient showed a significant reduction in self-injury behaviors. She learned alternative coping strategies and improved her emotional regulation skills. The family reported improved communication and support for the patient.
