Self Harm
What Is Self-Harm?
There are many terms currently used to describe any deliberate behaviour inflicted upon one’s own body which causes physical pain and injury in an effort to help the individual block out difficult feelings. At Evolution we use the expression self-harm to refer to practices such as cutting, burning, scratching, overdosing without suicidal intent, head-banging, swallowing dangerous objects, risky sexual activity and eating disorders to name a few.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
What these types of behaviours have in common is that they tend to provide temporary relief from overwhelming emotions like anger, frustration and anxiety, by creating a psychological and physical distraction, and in some cases by causing the individual to feel detached from his or herself and momentarily mentally numb.
Because of the short-term relief some people feel from self-harming, it often becomes compulsive and habitual which can make it very difficult to stop or keep under control. As a result people can end up permanently scarring themselves and in some chronic and severe cases the activity can cause permanent disability and/or unintended death.
Who Self-Harms?
Self-harming behaviour often starts in adolescence and a recent national survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 1 in 15 young people in the UK has self-harmed. It is suspected that because rates of self-harm are likely to be under-reported due to the stigma and shame unfairly associated with it, the figures in this country may actually be higher and in fact are already the highest in Europe.
It’s important to note that anyone can start self-harming at any age, regardless of gender, class, race, and social status. Often people who are already suffering with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem are particularly vulnerable. The problem of learning to manage overpowering and unpleasant emotions in a healthy way is fundamentally human and therefore affects us all, although not everyone will resort to self-harm as a coping strategy.
Consultation and Training for Professionals
Because self-harm is prevalent amongst adolescents and young people, school staff and other educational professionals are often the first to detect that a young person has been hurting him or herself and as such can play a crucial role in helping that individual get appropriate support. This brings with it a good deal of responsibility and the need to address complicated issues concerning confidentiality and ethics. Not surprisingly working with these difficulties can sometimes evoke uncomfortable feelings in the professional. At Evolution we work directly with groups, organisations and institutions who look after young people in some capacity, to develop individual training packages to address their specific needs.
Psychotherapy for Individuals
For the individual who is worried about his or her own self-harming behaviour, taking that first step towards finding the most appropriate type of support can feel daunting. Evolution offer a confidential, non-judgemental assessment and referral service for anyone seeking psychotherapy. Because we use an integrative approach, we address the difficult behaviours themselves as well as the underlying psychological causes, which is crucial to ensure long-term recovery and well-being. For more information see our Individual Consultation page.
