Alester Brown

Why Do People Self-Harm?

Experts define self-harm as the conscious act of causing oneself injury that typically stems from a mental condition. It's one of the more severe manifestations of mental health troubles and affects people of all ages. There are no defined rules about self-harm, and its specifics can vary dramatically from one person to the next.

But why do people do it?

Reasons for Self-Harm

Challenging experiences are often the driving force behind this behavior. It can stem from low self-esteem, increasing stress levels, depression, anxiety and more. In many cases, it occurs after going through difficult experiences. For example, some turn to self-harm after bullying, going through extreme pressure at work or during the breakdown of a meaningful relationship.

Whatever the case, it's vital to address this behavior with a self harm counselor.

Tackling Numbness

Some individuals use self-harm to confront feelings of numbness. Past traumas can cause people to lose all sight of themselves and guard their emotions behind an impenetrable wall. After years of struggling to feel anything, acts of self-harm are often utilized as a way to feel something.

A Harmful Coping Mechanism

In severe cases, self-harm may also serve as a way to cope with traumas. People often do self-inflicted injuries on body parts linked to those painful experiences. Unfortunately, it can also be a form of self-punishment for those attempting to grapple with challenging emotions.

A Grab at Control

To those on the outside looking in, self-harm can seem like a cry for help or a way to get attention. For some people, that's true. When you're struggling to manage emotions and grapple with feelings of solitude, self-harm can feel like the only way to let your distress be known. That's how many individuals seek help from a self harm counselor.

But this behavior is more than a cry for attention. For many people, it's a way to take control of pain. Instead of allowing others to be the source of negativity, some turn to self-harm, effectively retaining control of their bodies and emotions.

No matter the cause or reasoning behind self-harm, this behavior is not something to ignore. If you or anyone around you shows signs of self-harm, turn to a professional counselor for help.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at social anxiety blog.