Understanding and Treating Self-Harming
Self-harm refers to the damage or injury individuals intentionally inflict upon their own bodies in response to a desire to punish themselves or release an unbearable tension that has built over time.
The first step to recovery is admitting that you are struggling with self-harm. Discussing the problem initiates the recovery process, and this can be done in several ways, such as reaching out for help through a helpline, talking to a GP or confiding in family members and close friends.
Our mental health specialists have years of experience treating people who engage in self-harm. They will assist you in identifying the causes and triggers for your self-harming behaviours and teach you healthy coping strategies in dealing with anxiety and other negative emotions. Moreover, we understand that everyone’s self-harm recovery is different, which is why we make sure each individual is given a treatment plan that meets their specific needs.
Many people who undergo inpatient treatment return home with a significantly reduced likelihood of future self-harming. This provides them with a strong foundation for continued happiness and well-being.
How is Self-harm Treated?
The type and duration of the self-harm treatment you will receive will be tailored to your specific circumstances and the severity and complexity of your condition. Some people are treated as outpatients, which involves regular visits to one of our medical centres for hourly sessions with their psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist.
Others require a more structured treatment approach, involving a residential stay at one of our hospitals for the duration of their treatment. This includes participation in the psychological group programme and regular sessions with their consultants.
Effective self-harm support involves acquiring positive coping mechanisms, addressing any underlying stress you may have, learning healthy communication skills, and providing assistance in the regulation of your emotions. Self-harm and therapy may include individual as well as holistic therapies, group work, talking therapies, and family therapies. If other co-existing mental conditions are identified, such as depression, medication will also be prescribed.
Counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists with diverse specialisations will collaborate to provide a comprehensive treatment programme aimed at alleviating the symptoms of self-harm. These treatment programmes may incorporate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Repeatedly engaging in self-harm can develop into an addiction pattern. Individuals who experience recurring episodes of self-harm and require psychological intervention may benefit from DBT. A type of CBT, DBT, involves learning self-control and the management of emotions. This specialist form of therapy is designed to provide you with different skills and tools, enabling you to regulate distress and effectively handle intense emotions whenever you experience a powerful urge to self-harm. DBT is composed of four elements, namely: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
For young people who persistently self-harm, a harm-minimisation approach may be appropriate, which can help manage scarring and ensure that individuals with the compulsion to self-harm, to stay as safe as possible. DBT provides structured support through the combination of individual and group sessions.With sufficient and functional skills, you can endure distress and seek effective tools to control your stress reactions.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
Preventing Self-Harm
If you have identified that you have a problem and are ready to get started on your journey to recovery, there are some suggested things you can do to help you stop self-harming:
- Tell someone about it and acknowledge that you need help
The moment you start talking, you will quite quickly experience immense relief in disclosing the secret you may have been trying to hide. Asking for help is a crucial first step in recovery.
Identify your personal triggers
Because self-harm is often a way of dealing with challenging and intense emotional pain, it is crucial to recognise what emotions compel you to self-harm, whether these are feelings of sadness, shame, guilt, anger or loneliness.
Try alternative methods to release tension
Try other, less harmful ways to release tension, such as squeezing ice cubes, taking a cold shower, eating a hot chilli, or drawing on yourself using a red pen. Use your creativity to find what works best for you
Find new ways to cope
Once you recognise a trigger, finding other ways to deal with it, such as painting, writing, music, and other creative activities, is essential.
Put together a ‘self-soothe’ kit
Put together a ‘self-soothe’ kit. This kit contains objects/activities that hold personal meaning and offer comforting sensory experiences. It can include items such as pictures, music playlists, puzzles, colouring in, nail polish, and more. Organise them all in a box, bag, or tin to make them readily available in times of emergency.
Self-Harm Guidance for Parents
If you think your child is engaging in self-harming activities, knowing the signs to look out for is crucial. You can speak to your child or consult a GP to determine the next appropriate steps if any of these are present. Parents of young individuals who self-harm can often experience confusion and fear. You may find it difficult to understand the reasons for your child’s actions and wonder whether you could have done anything more in order to prevent it.
- No need to panic
Although in a majority of cases, self-harm may be an indication of serious distress, it is not necessarily a suicide attempt. Avoid making hasty conclusions. Don’t let fear prevent you from asking for help or seeking professional intervention for your child. Addressing the issue together is an important step.
We recognise that self-harm and the overpowering emotions that compel you to do it can seriously impact your mental health and daily functioning. Early diagnosis and treatment at any of our specialist clinics can equip you or a loved one with effective ways to deal with underlying feelings of stress, anxiety or depression so that you can take back control of your life without having the urge to inflict harm on yourself.
FREE Self-Harm Assessment
If your or a loved one are struggling with Self-Harm, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free self-harm assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
