Intense emotions and mental pain can manifest in all kinds of ways. For some people, they lead to self-harm. With self-harm, a person intentionally harms their body by doing things like cutting or burning their skin or hitting themselves. It can be hard to make sense of the impulse to hurt yourself. Even the person doing it does not always understand why. That is because self-harm is a sign of an underlying mental health condition.
If you or someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it is urgent that you seek out a professional treatment center. Not only can self-harm cause lasting physical damage, but people who engage in this behavior are at increased risk for suicide. ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, provides treatment for adults who are struggling with self-harm and other mental health concerns. Our compassionate team tailors care for each patient.
Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm, also called self-injurious behavior (SIB) or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), involves deliberately hurting oneself without the intent to die. By the time someone realizes that they have a problem, or another person in their life notices, these behaviors may have taken place many times.
Self-harm behaviors tend to begin in someone’s teen or young adult years. However, it can start at age 12 or even earlier. Some people may engage in self-harm a few times and then stop. Others do it more often and have trouble stopping. People who do it sometimes report that it gives them a sense of relief from their intense emotions and problems in their daily lives. But self-harm only provides temporary relief and may escalate.
Common Causes of Self-Harm
The underlying reasons a person engages in self-harm may include:
- Anger at themselves or someone else
- Overwhelming tension or stress
- Feeling a lack of control of their own body or circumstances
- Sadness or numbness that leads to a desire to feel any new sensation, including pain
- Rejection by peers or romantic interests
- Seeing similar behavior among peers or on social media
The Difference Between Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
By definition, a person who self-harms does not intend to die from their injuries. However, self-harm and suicidal ideation may coexist, and both are connected with the risk for attempting suicide. The two conditions may share common underlying mental health disorders. The professionals at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital are highly trained in addressing both conditions.
If you or someone you know is considering ending their life, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 911 right away.
Signs & Symptoms of Self-Harm
It is critical to know the signs and symptoms of self-harm so that you can intervene. Left untreated, it can result in serious injury or even death.
Physical Signs
- Unexplained cuts, scars, or burns on the body
- Wearing pants or long sleeves despite warm weather to hide injuries
- Marks or bruises that the person says resulted from an accident
- Cigarette, match, or candle burns on the skin
- Changes in hygiene or appearance
Behavioral & Emotional Symptoms
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior patterns
- Increased irritability or anger
- Difficulty managing emotions or dealing with stress
- Mentioning self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Engaging in risky behavior or struggling with impulse control
It’s important to understand that someone may be struggling with self-harm even if they aren’t exhibiting all the signs and symptoms mentioned above. If you are the one struggling, reach out for help. You deserve support and understanding to feel better and to safeguard your mental and physical health.
How To Help a Loved One
If you suspect that someone you love is harming themselves, your support can start them on the road to healing. Here are ways you can help:
Immediate Steps
- Approach them with compassion and without judgment
- Listen actively to their concerns and feelings
- Avoid minimizing their pain or offering simple solutions
- Express your concern for their well-being
- Encourage them to seek professional help
Creating a Supportive Environment
- Remove or secure potentially harmful objects when possible
- Help them identify healthy coping strategies and distractions
- Stay involved in their treatment and healing process
- Learn about self-harm to better understand their experience
- Consider family counseling to improve communication and support
When To Seek Emergency Help
Contact emergency services immediately if your loved one:
- Threatens to seriously harm themselves
- Shows signs of suicidal ideation
- Has inflicted severe injuries requiring medical attention
- Appears to be in immediate danger
Our Self-Harm Treatment Center in Greenville, North Carolina
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. If a person comes to us with a primary diagnosis such as depression, and they are engaging in self-harm, we will holistically address their symptoms and behaviors.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma-focused care
- Art and music therapies
Group therapy is an integral part of the treatment we provide. You can openly share what you are going through with our team and with others who are struggling with self-harm. Depending on your personalized plan, you may participate in process, psychoeducational, experiential therapy, or goal-setting groups.
Topics covered in these group sessions might include:
- Healthy coping skills
- Setting appropriate boundaries
- Understanding the effects of trauma on behavior
- Building self-esteem and positive self-image
Levels of Care Available
We offer multiple levels of programming to meet individual patient needs:
- Inpatient services for patients requiring 24/7 medical supervision and intensive care
- Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) for structured daytime support while living at home – coming soon!
- Intensive outpatient programming (IOP) for flexible scheduling around work or school commitments – coming soon!
Healing from self-harm and related behaviors may take time and can be an ongoing journey. Before leaving our care, you will work with your treatment team and loved ones to create a personalized aftercare plan. This plan will detail community resources and other forms of support.
Benefits of Self-Harm Treatment
Healing from self-harm and underlying mental health concerns brings numerous benefits. Potential benefits of seeking help at a self-harm treatment center include:
- Healthier coping strategies for managing emotions and stress
- Increased self-awareness and understanding of triggers for self-harm behavior
- Support in processing painful emotions and traumatic experiences
- Enhanced self-esteem and a more positive self-image
- Greater resilience and adaptability in the face of future adversity
- Stronger, healthier relationships with friends and family
- Access to additional resources, such as support groups and educational materials
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we’ll create a comprehensive, personalized self-harm treatment plan just for you. Our dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure that the plan addresses your unique needs so that you can find lasting healing.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.