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Warning: Self-abuse in Progress
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Self-injury is a dangerous cycle that most people try to hide. Sometimes it's hard to know what behaviors are considered self-mutilation. If you notice these behaviors or physical signs from you or a loved one, get help immediately!
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Frequent injuries that can't be explained (cuts, bruises, cigarette burns on the wrists, arms, legs, thighs and chest)
Unwilling to discuss where injuries came from; injuries are frequently explained as an accident of cat scratch
Carry razors, lighters, sharp objects or other instruments to self-injure in their bag
Insist on covering up the body, even in warm weather
Locks self in bathroom for a long time; come out with new injuries
Burns or blood stains on the inside of clothing; insist on doing laundry
Depressed, withdrawn and/or suffers from low self-esteem
Inability to properly handle stressful situations, or intense emotions
Can't express what they are feeling
Relationship problems; poor coping at school, work or home
Co-morbidity (disorders related to or seen in combination with self-abuse)
A psychiatric doctor is used to diagnose the self-injurious behaviors. An evaluation of the patient is done to see if there is a history or possibility of a mental illness. Self-harm is the symptom of several mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety and personality disorders, and psychoses like schizophrenia.
Long-term Effects of Self-injurious Behavior
- Physical
Self-abuse can lead to scarring, liver and kidney damage and substance abuse or eating disorder problems.
- Social
Due the shame and guilt self-injurers feel, there are typically relationship problems and feelings of being alone or excluded from your peers.
- Psychological
Self-harm can lead to a wide range of emotions such as guilt, depression, frustration, anger and self-hate.
The short-term relief that comes from self-injury is effective in calming people when they feel tension, anxiety, and anger. The long-term consequences are not worth the physical, social or psychological problems that arise from self-abuse.
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