1. Who's at Risk
Typically, self harming is a disorder that affects teenagers who are having trouble with self esteem. They are unable to cope with the changes in hormones they are going through and with feelings they can't understand. Following the path of other addictions, such as drugs or food, self harming behavior can turn into an addiction and if not treated can continue into young adulthood. Teens prone to compulsive and obsessive behavior are at risk for self mutilation. While the majority of self mutilators are young white women, the disorder crosses gender, race and economic line to affect every class.
2. It Hurts so Good
Hurting themselves takes the focus off their feelings of inadequacy and gives them an outlet for expressing their confusion. Self injury sometimes follows a traumatic event that the young person cannot deal with. Sometimes the pain is desired as a result of guilt the person feels she deserves. Self harming behavior is not suicidal, though accidents occur and can lead to death. The injuries are usually just enough to get the attention of the mutilator and take her mind of her perceived problems.
3. Signing Off
Typical forms of self harming include cutting, burning, hair pulling and persistent picking at previous wounds. It is usually done in private. Self mutilators hide their wounds and often can come up with a wide variety of excuses to explain their injuries to others who may catch a glimpse of the results. Relief from the emotional pain is temporary. The self injury must continue once the wound is healed. Self harming is a spiraling behavior that offers no long lasting relief until the person learns others ways to cope with negative feelings.
4. Help me Rhonda
Self harming is a cry for help. It is a sign that the person is experiencing intense emotions that she cannot control. Teens who have been abused are often prone to believe they deserved the abuse and will continue it themselves. Sometimes a young person will leave traces of their behavior in order to get caught. They know they need help, but cannot ask. Other sufferers will recognize that their actions are not healthy and may reach out for help on their own. Parents, teachers and counselors should pay attention to the cry for help.
5. Light at the end of the Tunnel
Treatment for self mutilation includes intense counseling, inpatient treatment and mood controlling medications. Group therapy can help a young person realize that she is not a freak. Seeing others with the same disorder can have a cathartic affect, allowing the person to begin to heal. Family therapy is often needed when the source of the problem stems from unhealthy home conditions. Hypnosis has proved effective for some people, while anti-depressant medication or anti-anxiety pills are required for others. Inpatient treatment programs have sprung up around the country as self harming becomes more prevalent and recognized as a real problem.
