Self-harm is the deliberate action of causing physical harm to oneself and emotional distress. According to the fifth edition’s statistical and diagnostic manual of mental disorders, self-harm is formally known as non-suicidal self-injury disorder. This self-destructive behavior is carried out without any intention of suicide.

Adolescents are at the highest risk for self-harm injury. Studies state that roughly 15 percent of teenagers and 17 to 35 percent of college students have inflicted self-harming behaviors on themselves. These self-injurious behaviors are highly troublesome for clinicians and parents as it can be tremendously challenging to decipher whether they are trying to die or inflict pain on themselves.

Self-harm and self-injury are most common between the age of 12 and 24. Self-harm is more common in females than males, with this risk being five-time greater in the 12-15 age group. Self-harm and self-injury are relatively rare in childhood, but the rate has increased since 1980. the desire to self-injury is a common symptom of some personality disorders. People with other mental disorders may also self-harm, including depression anxiety disorder. Studies also provide strong support for self-punishment function. The orange county residential rehab will help overcome all the things that disturb life.

Self-harm and mental health treatment

There are many types of treatment available, including psychotherapy and social support. Psycho-therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy and specifically dialectical behavioral therapy to control impulses and understand how individuals interact in their environment and relationship. With self-harm, it can lead to extreme skin damage.

SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOMS

Knowing when a loved one or friend is engaging in self-harming behaviors can be challenging because it is often done privately. 

Psychological symptom 

  • Frequent thought of self-harm even if there is no intent to execute at that time
  • Feeling that self-harm is punishment
  • Relief from the tension and emotional pain
  • Feeling in control of some aspect of an individual’s life

Physical symptom

  • Unexplained wounds or scars, usually on the wrists, things or chest
  • Bloodstains on towels, tissues or bedding
  • Unexplainable, frequent self-report of accidents

Mood symptoms

  • Relief from a highly distressing mood
  • To end problematic interpersonal situation
  • To feel a positive mood state, like peacefulness 
  • Depressed mood without any reason
  • Isolation
  • Irritability

Behavioral symptoms

  • Burning or scalding oneself
  • Hitting yourself
  • Sticking object into the skin
  • Spending much time alone
  • Wearing long sleeves in warm weather
  • Behaviour causes much distress to the individual

Cognitive symptoms

  • Ongoing question about personal identity
  • Helplessness feeling can lead to break friendships even
  • Hopelessness
  • Worthlessness

Emotional symptoms

  • Emotional numbing
  • Emotional instability
  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Disgust
  • Depression

Side Effect of self-harm and self-injury

The long-term effect of self-harm can range from minor irritants to severe injuries and even unintentional death. This is why it is essential for those engaged in this type of behavior to seek professional help as soon as possible to learn healthier ways of coping with stressful or painful emotions. All the pain will be removed from life with orange county residential rehab. The most common long-term effect of self-injury are

  • Broken bones
  • Social isolation
  • The feeling of shame, disgust and guilt
  • Poor self-esteem and self-image
  • Permanent scarring
  • Limb or appendage loss
  • Multi-organ damage
  • Infections

Cause for self-harm

The most common cause for self-injury may include a combination of the following.

Genetic- many mental illnesses that can trigger the urge to self-harm are thought to have genetic components. People born into families with a history of mental illness are at a greater risk for developing the disorder themselves—always making different causes for getting cuts, marks, and wounds for the body.

Physical –  many mental illness people result from imbalances in the neurotransmitters Involved in emotional regulation. People who have imbalances of neurotransmitters in their brains may self-injure to experience emotions or as a result of mental illness. The orange county residential rehab can resolve all the physical pain.

Environmental – people who experienced abuse are at a greater risk for self-injurious behaviors. They were spending a long period in the bedroom or staying in the bathroom without reason. Communicating with the behaviors is quite not common in the days. Sometimes the wrong environment can lead to damage to the body without any reason. So staying away from such an environment can help to save time.