Self-harm In Adults: Why Does It Happen And How To Deal With It?
Why may some adults resort to self-harm? What can cause this behavior in adults? Discover how to identify it and what we can do about it.
When talking about self-harm, it is very common to think that this problem usually affects adolescents. Even so, this problem is also very common in adults. The self-harm in adults They usually involve cutting or burning the skin, or hitting a part of the body. In most cases where self-harm occurs in adults, this behavior is a way in which people try to cope with stress or anxiety. So how can you detect this problem and what to do to deal with it?
The self-harm in adults It is usually a sign that you may be facing a psychological disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. It should be noted that in many cases, self-harm in adults is not reported due to the shame and guilt that tends to be associated with such behavior. Additionally, people may hide self-harm and may not even seek help. If this problem is not treated it can lead to dangerous consequences for people. Although self-mutilation tends to be associated with suicidal tendencies, in some cases these injuries can pose a health hazard.
Why does self-harm happen in adults?
There are many reasons why an adult may self-harm. Among the most common are the following:
Borderline personality disorder: People who suffer from this disorder may self-harm in order to keep their loved ones concerned and connected to them.
Trauma: In the same way that happens with adolescents, self-harm in adults can also be the result of having suffered a serious trauma such as sexual abuse or childhood abandonment.
To deal with painful emotions: Self-harm can also be a way to cope with painful emotions that are being faced. It may also be a release from emotional pain associated with stressors.
Psychosis: Self-harm in adults can also be due to experiencing symptoms of psychosis that abruptly interrupt the lives of people who suffer from it.
Stress and/or anxiety: In some cases, stress and anxiety can be related to self-harming behaviors, especially when suffered excessively.
Although these may be some of the most common causes that can lead to self-harm, we must keep in mind that there is no isolated cause that can lead to this behavior.
What are the symptoms of self-harm?
Adults who engage in self-destructive behaviors often go to great lengths to try to hide them. Because of this, it is possible that the self harm not be obvious to loved ones or close friends. Even so, some of the symptoms that could indicate that a person is self-harming are the following:
Justify injuries as accidents
Decreased interest in things previously enjoyed
Social isolation
Wearing inappropriate clothing to hide injuries
Physical symptoms that can occur in the form of burns, scratches, bruises or cuts.
Having little control over the impulses or intrusive thoughts that cause self-harm
Feelings of worthlessness, as well as other thoughts related to poor self-perception or low self-esteem
These are some of the most common symptoms that people can suffer from adults who self-harm Given these signs, it is important to go to a professional psychologist to address the root problem.
What are the effects of self-harm?
When self-harm becomes a common attitude in people’s lives, this can end up causing some very negative effects not only physically but also socially and psychologically. Some of the effects that can have self-harm in adults are the following:
In the case of adults, self-harming behaviors can be deeply rooted in a specific problem, so it can be difficult to find how to deal with them. That is, in many cases, a behavior such as self-harm to deal with difficulties, stress or negative emotions. It is for this reason that the desire to change this behavior must come from the patient themselves and not as a demand from loved ones or family members.
With the help of a mental health professional, people will be able to identify all the triggers for self-harm and establish new strategies to deal with these situations or emotions.
Other treatments for self-harm in adults They may include drugs, especially when this behavior is related to a disorder such as psychosis. Group therapy can also be a good alternative to obtain tools that allow you to act differently in response to the different difficulties you may encounter in your daily life.
The self-harm in adults It is a problem that must be faced immediately since it is a sign that they may be facing a situation that is overwhelming them. Therefore, when faced with these symptoms, it is essential that you seek help immediately.
