What is self-harm?

When we see the term self-harm, most times we think of a teenager who is in their depression phase harming themselves with knives or broken glass. Self-harm, as simple as the term is, is when an individual hurt themself as a way of dealing with a very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.

What are possible reasons for an individual to inflict self-harm?

The reasons may vary from person to person and/ or situation, the below list is not exhaustive, but a few examples of reasons why an individual may self-harm as a way to:

• Express their feelings or something that is hard to put into words
• Change pain from being emotional to being physical
• Turn invisible feelings or thought into something visible
• Have a sense of being in control
• Reduce the number of overwhelming feelings and thoughts
• Escape traumatic memories
• Have something in their life that they can rely on
• Stop the feeling of numbness, disconnected or disassociated
• Punish themselves for their feelings and experiences
• Express suicidal feelings and thoughts without taking their own life
• Create reason to physically care for themselves

What are the different types of self-harm?

Although the below list is not limited, here are a few examples of different types of self-harm:

1. Cutting: this involves making cuts or scratches on the skin, usually on the arms, legs or wrists.
2. Burning: this involves using heat or flames to inflict burns on oneself.
3. Bruising or hitting: this includes hitting oneself or intentionally causing bruises.
4. Hair pulling: hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania, this involves pulling out ones’ hair which often would result in bald patches.
5. Biting: this involves biting oneself, which may often result in bruises or broken skin.
6. Poisoning or over dosing: this refers to intentionally consuming harmful substances or excessive amounts of medication.

What are the different factors of self-harm?

Self-harm can be influenced by various psychological, emotional and social factors. It is crucial to note that these factors may vary on an individual basis. Here are common psychological, emotional and social factors associated with self-harm in the UK:

1. Psychological Factors:

• Mental health conditions
• Low Self Esteem
• Difficulty in expressing emotion

2. Emotional Factors:

• Intense emotional distress
• Emotional dysregulation

3. Social Factors:

• Peer pressure
• Peer influence
• Bullying or social isolation
• Adverse childhood experiences

What mental disorders are commonly linked to self-harm?

Self-harm is often associated with various mental health disorders. While it is important to note that not everyone who engages in self-harm has a diagnosed mental health condition or disorder; the following disorders are commonly linked to self-harm:

• Depression
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Substance Use or Substance Abuse Disorders

Just a note:

Doing an online Self-harm Awareness Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point. Once you have completed the course, you would receive a certificate thereof.