Thoughtful Thursday: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
Trigger Warning: This thread contains information concerning self-harm which can be distressing for some of us.
Understanding Self-harm
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is when an individual deliberately harms themselves without an intent to die.
It is considered a maladaptive/harmful way of coping with distress. Individuals do it to distract themselves from negative emotions, punish themselves, or reduce feeling numb.
It often exists alongside disorders such as eating disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and anxiety disorder. Sometimes, it’s a known symptom, as in BPD.
Self-harm does not have the same effect on all individuals. A healthy person might try it but not continue. However, in case of underlying issues, individuals might continue it because it feels good for them temporarily.
Some are more vulnerable than others to engage in self-harm, especially those who find it difficult to handle everyday stressors. It is prevalent in adolescents because various stressors make them a high-risk group and they’re also more likely to try out methods such as self-harm.
Self-harm is usually an indication that better coping mechanisms need to be established so the individual responds to the same distress with ways that work better for them. Ex, journaling, mindfulness, sports, high-intensity workouts, and so on.
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is known to be effective in reducing self-harm.
Question
Q. What do you think about self-harm?
Refer to crisis resources here if necessary.
References
Jeanie Lerche Davis. (2005, August 15). Cutting and Self-Harm: Warning Signs and Treatment. WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/cutting-self-harm-signs-treatment
@sereneButton43
Thanks for sharing this. 💜 I appreciate what you've said that people self-harm because it feels good. There's been research showing that self-injuring has a calming effect... and it makes sense that people would do something that feels calming.
There is some precedent for thinking of self-harm as being similar to a behavioral addiction. Some things that have been found to be helpful for addictions in general are 1) finding a meaningful activity to pour oneself into, and 2) exercise [alleviates stress/depression and releases a lot of the same brain chemicals that make addictive behaviors feel beneficial].
HERE are some other ideas for alternatives to self-harm.
@QuietMagic that's a nice way of looking at self-harm in terms of being similar to addiction. It then makes sense to apply the same techniques to counter them as you have suggested!
