What is self-harming?
Self-harming behaviors start for a variety of reasons and look very different for many people. Self-harming is when someone intentionally hurts their bodies, usually in secret. This is a person’s way to cope with intense emotions/feelings, punish themselves, and/or express an emotion/feeling. Many people experience feelings of shame and/or guilt after self-harming, which are intensified even more by the social stigmas associated with these acts.
The media continues to portray self-harming with the scenes of teenagers cutting themselves in private, constantly wearing long-sleeves, and playing the role of the “social outcast”. While this may be the case for some; the stereotype is skewed and limiting, it leaves out so many people that need support and to be seen.
Who can self-harm?
Teenagers: Statistically 15% of teenagers in the United States have reported self-harming. Teenagers have a difficult time processing emotions due to their developing brains.
Young Adults: Statistically college-aged adults have the highest risk of self-harming with 17%-33% reporting self-harming. This is a highly stressful time in a young person’s life. Many are navigating new responsibilities, routines, and identities.
Adults: Statistically about 4% of adults in the United States have reported that they self-harm, however, I suspect that this is a very low estimation. Due to the stigma and an adult’s ability to hide these actions; many adults never report self-harming.
What are forms of self-harming?
Usually, people will self-harm on areas of their body that are not easily visible. The placement is dependent on what activities people frequently engage in, dress codes, the weather where they reside, etc. There are many ways that people can self-harm and listed here are just a few:
- Cutting with sharp objects.
- Scratching, picking, or marking with fingernails.
- Burning with heat or with friction.
- Hitting, punching, or headbanging.
What are the signs of self-harming?
Some signs that someone you know is self-harming may be:
- Going through razors, band-aids, and antiseptics at a rapid pace.
- Wearing clothing that does not match the weather/occasion.
- Scars that look like they are in a pattern.
- Frequently having fresh wounds.
- Frequent accidental injuries.
- Having a challenging time with interpersonal relationships/regulating emotions.
when do I need help?
Honestly, if you are questioning whether you need help, it is time to reach out to someone. Harming yourself in any way is a sign that there is something larger that needs to be addressed. Reach out to someone you trust or reach out to a counselor.
Convenient Colorado Counseling’s therapist Amber Kosloske, MS, LPCC specializes in working with individuals (15+) who are thinking of or engaging in self-harming behaviors. Contact her to schedule a free 15-minute phone consult today and see if the teletherapy counseling services she offers are right for you.
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