Do you find yourself feeling :

Extreme feelings of rage?
Chronic Anxiety?
Emotionally Numb?
Powerless over your life?

 

These can be feelings that lead to thoughts of harming yourself and possibly someone else.  People generally internalize these feelings which lead to what is commonly known as Self Injury.

What are Self-Injurious Behaviors?

Self-injurious behaviors are behaviors that people intentionally engage in that cause physical bodily harm to themselves. Self-harm is often carried out when individuals attempt to deal with difficult or overwhelming emotions, and are not sure how to more effectively manage their emotions. Self-injury may take on several forms, most commonly cutting, scraping, burning, biting or hitting. Physical and emotional scars may be left as a result of self-injury. Self-destructive behaviors are not to be confused with body piercing or tattoos that are sought for the purpose of self-decoration.

Why Do People Self-Injure?

Based on research, people who engage in self-injurious behaviors claim to experience little to no pain while they are hurting themselves. Rationales for self-injury include feeling anger toward themselves or others, or relieving pain, anger and tension.

Self Injury allows someone:

•  To escape from emotional pain such as anger or anxiety
•  To release tension
•  To induce a pleasure state
•  To gain control over seemingly out-of-control emotions
•  To physically express pain

Forms of self injury:

• Cutting
• Scratching
• Burning
• Punching Walls
• Head banging
• Preventing wounds from healing
• Picking
• Poking
• Hair pulling
• Choking yourself until passing out

What you can do?

Most people who self injury find this to be the quickest and most relieving coping mechanism to address painful issues.  The following are strategies you can use to cope without cutting. One thing to remember is that even though cutting now seems to be your only friend it will eventually cease being your friend.  This could create further complications for coping which could lead to suicidal thinking.

1. Using relaxation techniques - most people balk at these when they first hear it or try it.  Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery can lower stress and help you let go of distorted thinking. It is important to stay with these because like anything else they take practice.
2. Writing down your thoughts - in today's world of technology there are ways for you to put your thoughts down.  It is impotant that you alleviate your thoughts and emotions in a manner such as this.  You can share them with someone you trust or if you are seeing a counselor you can share your thoughts with them.
3. Increase positive social interaction - It is important for individuals to increase positive social interaction.  The more positive interaction we have with others the more it improves our mood and our hope. Do not use drugs or alcohol. Using drugs and alcohol impairs positive social interaction and only increases isolation. 
4. See a counselor - It is very difficult to decide to talk to someone about this behavior.  You can be assured that there are many trained counselors that have helped many people with cutting.   

 

If you find yourself thinking of harming yourself or engaging in any of these behaviors please contact the counseling center at 303-933-5800 for help.  We are here to help!

 

Additional Resources:

Website by Deb Martinson:
http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html
This website offers a comprehensive look at self-injury, strategies for coping with the urge to self injure, and how to support someone who engages in self-injury. This website offers first-aid tips, but is not a substitute for professional medical care.

 

Book by Tracy Alderman, Ph.D.
The Scarred Soul: Understanding and Ending Self-Inflicted Violence
This self-help book provides information and exercises to work through self-injury, and to increase coping mechanisms.

 

Book by Conterio, Lader, & Kingson Bloom
Bodily Harm: The Breakthrough Treatment Program for Self-Injurers
ISBN 0-7868-8504-1

 

Book by Marilee Strong 
A Bright Red Scream: Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain
ISBN 0-14-028053-7 

 

Helpful Links

• Information on Self-Injurious Behavior