SELF-INJURY COUNSELING

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When emotional pain seems too hard to handle, some people turn to self-injury as a way to ease their suffering. About one percent of all Americans try to injure themselves every year, and the problem seems to be growing at a disturbing rate. According to some estimates, the number of treatment visits for teens who self-injure has doubled in the last three years.

For some people, self-injury is a coping mechanism used to escape emotional pain, relieve tension and stress or gain control over their feelings. Others are hoping their pain will create pleasure or will help them to feel less empty inside. The majority of self-injury victims begin hurting themselves during their adolescent or teen years, and some continue the behavior into adulthood.

Symptoms of self-injury:

• Cutting, scratching, hitting or burning yourself
• Head-banging or punching walls
• Preventing wounds from healing
• Choking yourself until you faint
• Pulling hair

Some self-injury victims suffer from underlying psychological problems, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse or schizophrenia. However, many people who harm themselves do not have any apparent clinical diagnosis. Although the problem is most common in young people, it can happen even to the elderly.

Family members are often alarmed and confused when they discover a loved one is involved in self-injury, but mental health treatment can offer a solution. A counselor can help patients to identify possible causes of the abusive behavior, such as anger, self-hate, depression or stress. At that point, patients can begin to learn more mature ways to deal with the issues they face. Counselors may introduce new coping skills, such as relaxation or avoidance techniques. Medication also may be considered in some situations. In addition, counseling can teach family members better ways to help their troubled loved ones.

Benefits of treatment:

• Learn new ways to deal with your negative feelings
• Prevent yourself from causing permanent harm, disease or death
• Feel happier and more self-confident
• Establish a feeling of greater control over your life
• Improve your relationships with family and friends

Although you may feel overwhelmed by your emotional pain, self-injury is not the only answer. Licensed counselor Jamie Leonard can help you to sort out your feelings and can show you healthy ways to handle your problems. Although it may be hard to take that first step, you will be happy you made the decision to take charge of your life.