Why is nightime always the time I want to self-harm?

When I used to self harm nighttime also was usually when I wanted to self-harm. I think it was because nighttime I usually ended up having time to reflect on my day and past experiences which really triggered my depression and need to self-harm.

This could be for a number of reasons and everyone is different but these are just a few ideas. Often at night we are most alone and being outside a social setting means we are less affected by the perceptions of others - (while a small number or of people may self harm in front of others, most do not). At nighttime we are often more tired as well which makes resisting urges to self harm, or considering the rational reasons not to harder. Further to this many people keep their self harm tools in private areas such as bedrooms (particularly if they are younger) which means they are more easy to seek out at night and isolation is almost a given at night time so does not create the same level of suspicion as disappearing all day long. For a small number of people night time may also create an environment of fear and potential triggers which may lead to self harm as well.

In my experience, it's because that's when the day is winding down and you're not preoccupied with the other things that take place during the day. You're mind is distracted during the day with things like school, work, after-school activities, family, friends, and so forth. But at night, since you're getting ready to go to sleep, it gives your mind time to wander.

The reason for this is because it's dark, and usually people are asleep. You'd rather do it at night so nobody would know. But you shouldn't! Doing this can cause a lot of damage and no matter what, it's not worth it. I know you probably feel it's like a relief, but you'll regret it so much. Talk to a friend, family member, a teacher, counselor. Seek help. Nobody wants you to do this to yourself, because you are amazing! You are loved by so many.

I think it is a really good thing that you are asking this question. I am wondering if you are left with time on your hands to think during the evening and therefore find it harder to distract yourself from your thoughts of self harm?

It is a time when everyone's asleep so you feel most lonely at night because no ones around to talk to.

Maybe because that is the time when everything settles down, people sleep, the day turns dark, and things start to enter into your head because there isnt anything else to look at, do, or even say to anyone else in your house.

This may be because its the time you are by yourself, when you have the most time to think. These feelings can be quite overwhelming and really irritating when you are trying to ignore them. You are strong enough to fight these urges, keep your head up!

The reason why night time is the general time to self-harm is because, in my personal opinion... I find that its because everyone is in bed and you are alone, in a confined space where your thoughts can go wild. You have time to think and reflect on anything. Your mind begins to wonder and that's usually when overthinking takes place to the extent where you begin to feel overwhelmed by your thought process. To some this may not be the case and that is perfectly fine but like I said previously, this is only a personal opinion.

The night is a darker and less busy time than the day. It might lack opportunities to distract you from negative emotions so you might feel them stronger at night and are therefore more prone to experiencing destructive urges.

The sun has a effect on the body that causes a hormonal balance, when the sun is down (night time) it causes a depressed mood for some. I'd recommend spending more time outside to try and get more of the chemicals your body produces while in the sun.

Night-time can be when there are fewest distractions around you, when you are left alone with your thoughts to fall asleep. There are no distractions to stop you from dwelling on things that upset you and might trigger your urges.

When I'm alone especially at night I feel the most lonely. Nights are hard to get through by myself and I really don't like to be alone

At night, you're usually tired and that makes your mind start to wander more. Overthinking is a lot more common at night. Thats why some people self-harm more at night, because their mind is "weaker" and its harder to resist the urges.

Night time is when you have the most time you have to think to yourself and your mind runs wild sadly.

Many people start thinking darker and deeper when it's nighttime for several reason. It could be quiet, lonely, you are tired, you need time to process the day and your dark thoughts might show. The result : You need to let it out somehow and self-harm is the first thing that comes into your mind. Try to reach out to someone who's still awake at nighttime and just talk to them, try to distract yourself and don't feel lonely. You can also try to listen to music (not sad music) before you sleep so it isn't quiet anymore, it's harder to think negative and it's really calming. If these won't help please reach out to a professional to seek help. It's worth it.

In the evening/night, you finally have a time after a tiring day to rethink your actions or mistakes. Meditation about everything that happened can lead you to suprising, sometimes saddening conclusion. If you feel like self harm may help you, you're already in the mood to do that.

Night time often feels the loneliest and most upsetting. It is harder to reach out for help because you can't be sure if people are asleep. Darkness itself can cause sadness. Some combination of these factors may be why you feel the need to self-harm at night.

During the day you are busy and you may not really think of it or have to the need to do it. At night, your mind is pretty much clear and you nobody around you. Your mind gets all these thoughts.

It could be because it's easier to think about your emotional wounds and pick them apart at night when there's no distractions. Please take care of you ♡