Self-harm refers to any behavior which includes harming or being violent to ourselves, typically done to cope with troubling or difficult thoughts and emotions. It usually is in the form of burning, cutting or overdoses. However, it can be any behavior that causes injuries, no matter the level of risk or how insignificant. Simply put, any act those results in injury or harm to oneself as a means to manage difficult emotions is considered to be self-harm.

Self-harm can be experienced by any person. While anyone can be affected by self-harm, certain individuals are more likely to self-harm than others. This is mainly due to circumstances that have occurred in their lives, such as where they reside, what occurs with their relatives, friends, or at school, or any mix of both. 

Factors that could put people more vulnerable include:

• An underlying mental health issue. It can be anxiety
• Depression,  borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders.
• Being a teenager that is not under the supervision of their parents or individuals who have been released from the care home and do have any trauma or guilt. The Teenage counselor can be consulted for identifying the issues of self-harm.
• As a member of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Consulting the best psychologist at TalktoAngel will help in identifying the challenges
• Bereaved by suicide.

It is crucial to keep in mind that even though these risk factors may increase the likelihood of someone self-harming, having any one of them does not necessarily mean that one will commit self-harm. The same goes for someone who self-harms. They might not have one of the risk factors, still, they could be affected.

Why do people self-harm?

Every person has a variety of things that causes stress and worries them. Certain people manage their issues by speaking with relatives and friends, while others might find the difficulties too stressful to talk about. If we don't speak up about our feelings and discuss the things that cause us to be upset angry, or frustrated. The pressure builds into a tense situation that can become overwhelming. Many people turn it on themselves, using their bodies to express emotions and thoughts they are unable to express in words. Some people hurt themselves when they are surrounded by too much.

The reason behind self-harming could be quite different from the other reasons that cause people to self-harm. Some of the causes individuals cite as triggers or motives that cause them to self-harm are:

• Issues at home
• Disputes or conflicts in a relationship
• Academic pressures
• Bullying
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Use of alcohol and drugs.

If a number of these problems are thrown together it can be overwhelming and can become too difficult for a single individual to manage. One person stated that many people use self-harm to get out the anger, hurt, and frustration that comes from stressors within their lives. They harm themselves because they weren't sure of what to do next and didn't think they had other options.

Looking for assistance

Talking to someone about your issues is often the first step in ending the cycle. It's not easy and you may be hesitant to talk about self-harm and the reasons for it. This is not unusual - many self-harming teens have a hard time asking for help. However, talking is an essential step toward recovery and feeling better. Consulting the Best Clinical Psychologist in India at TalktoAngel would be of great help in overcoming self-harm behavior.

Don't be afraid to reach out for help any time you're in need of it. The act of sharing your feelings isn't an indication of vulnerability. It is a sign that you're in charge of your health and doing what is necessary to remain well. It's not always easy to describe what you're experiencing. If you are unable to think of the right word to describe your feeling, try using the words you can to convey what you're feeling. Talking is a method to deal with a situation that has been lingering in your mind for quite a while.

Who do you have to contact?

It is crucial to talk to someone you trust and are comfortable with because they'll be able to aid and encourage you. There are no set rules for the best way to communicate with an individual. It is important that you are comfortable and trust the person you choose to talk to.  If you find discussing it difficult, you can share your feelings with your story in writing or via email. You could also have a trusted friend speak to an adult you trust in your place. Inform them that you need help in how you're experiencing it. There's no need to elaborate on the ways you've hurt yourself. You do not have to discuss issues you aren't comfortable talking about. Focus on the emotions and thoughts of self-harm instead of the behaviors.

If you choose to talk to a mental health professional or Online Counsellor you can bring someone from your family or a friend with you to provide support. Although it can be difficult to tell someone else, sharing your story can alleviate the stress and will help you when you will receive the support you need.

How can I get assistance?

Numerous assistance and treatments are available to you when you are willing to seek assistance. If you are seeking assistance from Top Psychologist in India they'll likely provide you with Counselling and mental health therapy either in person or via Online Counselling. Your counselor will be listening and helping you develop strategies and solutions to deal with the challenges you're facing. Therapies like CBT (or cognitive-behavioural therapy), ACT, and other psychodynamic therapies are used which will help you to concentrate on developing the ability to cope and solve problems. In case you are having suicidal thoughts please contact immediately with an Online Psychiatrist or general physician near your home.

 Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri & Mr. Utkarsh Yadav