Understanding Self-Injury: The Truth Behind the Struggle
March 1st is designated as Self-Injury Awareness Day, a day to promote understanding and support for those affected by self-harm. Today is an opportunity to challenge stigma, have honest conversations, and learn more about what is commonly misunderstood and overlooked when talking about self-injury. Whether you are currently struggling, love someone who is, or want to support others on their journey toward healing, I hope you find something helpful here today.
Self-Injury Is More than Attention-Seeking
One common myth of self-injury is the idea the people who self-injure are simply seeking attention. Yet, the shame and stigma attached to self-injury so often contributes feelings of shame that most who self-injure go to great lengths to hide it.
When we zoom out and look at self-injury from different perspectives, there are so many other reasons someone may be struggling with self-injury aside from emotional distress or seeking attention. For example, self-injury is commonly reported with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and some estimate up to 35% of patients with OCD will present for medical treatment related to skin damage as well. This may include compulsive hand-washing to the point of skin damage, compulsive self-cutting, or scratching at one’s skin.
There are many other disorders that can make an individual more vulnerable to self-injury, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and PTSD. If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-injury, seeking support from a licensed provider can be helpful. A mental health professional can conduct in-depth testing to determine if an underlying, undiagnosed condition may be contributing to self-harming behaviors. Understanding the root cause is an important step toward finding effective coping strategies and support.
Self-Injury Happens at Any Age
Many associate self-injury with adolescents and young adults who are struggling to cope with emotional distress. The stigma and stereotype surrounding self-injury suggest that those who engage in it are often young women who are immature, irresponsible, or emotionally unstable. In reality, self-injury affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and it is not a reflection of immaturity or instability, but rather a complex coping mechanism.
One age-related factor for self-injury is the late diagnosis of disorders such as OCD. Some research suggests that the average onset of OCD symptoms is approximately 19, yet it may take nearly 13 years for an individual to receive an accurate OCD diagnose. Unfortunately, many struggle with symptoms well into adulthood without proper diagnosis or treatment, increasing their vulnerability to reverting to harmful coping mechanisms like self-harm.
Self-Injury Recovery Is an Individual Process
Some studies suggest that nearly a third of individuals who self-injure struggle to control their urges and find it difficult to stop the behavior. Various factors can contribute to the addictive nature of self-injury, and these factors often differ from person to person. Because of this, it’s essential that each individual’s recovery journey is personalized to address their unique needs and challenges.
Many treatment options have emerged for self-injury, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on building distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills. And there are resources such as Self-Injury Recovery & Awareness, Recovery Dharma, and To Write Love on Her Arms, which offer community support, educational materials, and encouragement for those on the path to healing. Seeking help from a professional trained in self-injury treatment, finding a supportive network, and exploring healthy coping mechanisms can all play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of self-harm and fostering long-term recovery.
Note: These posts are not intended as a substitute for therapy. Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state.
