SELF HARM: ATTENTION SEEKING OR MEANS OF COMMUNICATION?
WHAT IS SELF HARM/SUICIDE?
Firstly, Hurting oneself physically may be a desperate attempt to externalize internal emotional turmoil that feels overwhelming and inexpressible through conventional means. Individuals experiencing intense emotional pain, such as feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or extreme anger, may resort to self-harm as a way to manifest and alleviate these emotions physically. In this context, self-injury becomes a visible expression of internal suffering, conveying distress that words fail to articulate adequately.
Some individuals may engage in self-injurious behaviors to elicit care, attention, or support from others who may not otherwise understand the depth of their emotional turmoil. By visibly demonstrating their distress, they seek validation, empathy or reassurance from peers, family members, or mental health professionals.
Nevertheless, the support system of the person should never ignore any signs of self-harm, and no matter how much it looks like a way to seek attention, there should always be professional evaluation and appropriate measures to help someone with suicidal thoughts as it's often a warning sign of an enormous calamity.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS?
Self-harm can be precipitated by various factors, including overwhelming emotional distress, such as hopelessness, anger, betrayal, and demoralization. Feelings of worthlessness or shame, often stemming from traumatic experiences or negative self-perceptions, may also contribute. Additionally, self-harm might serve as a coping mechanism when individuals lack healthier ways to manage strong emotions or when they feel disconnected from others. Social factors like peer pressure or a desire for attention or control can also play a role
A 2022 analysis of 18 studies on causes of suicide labelled demoralization as a huge risk factor for suicide which is defined as the persistent failure to cope with internally or externally induced stresses that the person and those close to him expect him to handle. Hence it’s vital for a person to learn resilience and be able to deal with everyday anxieties to prevent them from piling up and causing a disaster. Understanding these triggers helps in developing supportive interventions focused on addressing underlying emotional issues and promoting healthier coping strategies.
IS SELF HARM A MEAN OF COMMUNICATION IN DISTRESS?
Yes, self-harm can serve as a means of communication during periods of extreme distress. It often represents a desperate attempt to express and cope with overwhelming emotional pain that feels incommunicable through words alone. By inflicting physical harm on oneself, individuals may seek to externalize their internal turmoil, signal their distress to others, or attempt to regain a sense of control over their emotions. It can also serve as a cry for help or a way to elicit care and support from those around them.
It is important to remember that suicidal ideation is a serious issue that often indicates a decline in mental health. Regardless of the apparent cause, it is crucial for mental health professionals to properly evaluate cases of self-harm to identify the underlying reasons such as depression, anxiety, panic or a personality disorder. Dismissing acts of self-harm as mere attention-seeking behavior can be extremely dangerous.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Self-harm might serve a communicative role in asserting control or coping with overwhelming situations. It can function as a coping mechanism in response to trauma or abuse, offering a temporary sense of relief or distraction from emotional pain. The act of self-injury itself, such as the sight of blood or the physical sensation, can provide a momentary escape from overwhelming emotions, albeit at a high cost to physical health.The communication through self-harm is multifaceted and varies widely among individuals. Some may use it to punish themselves for perceived failures or to regain a sense of control over chaotic internal experiences. Others may engage in self-harm as a means of protest against societal norms or as a way to mark emotional numbness by inducing physical sensation.
Understanding self-harm as a communication strategy underscores the importance of compassionate and non-judgmental responses. It necessitates addressing the underlying emotional distress to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and providing alternative means of expression and support. Mental health interventions focusing on improving emotional intellect, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering a supportive environment can help individuals to let go of the pain and communicate their distress in a safe space.
All in all, self-harm represents a complex form of extreme emotional distress. By acknowledging its communicative function, we can better understand the underlying needs and emotions driving this behavior, and offer more effective support and interventions. Understanding these underlying complexities is crucial for providing effective interventions, namely physical activity, healthy eating, behavioural therapy and mindfulness.
RESOURCES:
1. Costanza A, Vasileios C, Ambrosetti J, Shah S, Amerio A, Aguglia A, Serafini G, Piguet V, Luthy C, Cedraschi C, Bondolfi G, Berardelli I. Demoralization in suicide: A systematic review. J Psychosom Res. 2022 Jun;157:110788. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110788. Epub 2022 Mar 19. PMID: 35334350.
2. Klonsky, E. D. (2007). The functions of deliberate self-injury: A review of the evidence. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(2), 226-239.
3. Hawton, K., & James, A. (2005). Suicide and deliberate self harm in young people. BMJ, 330(7496), 891-894.
4. Leenaars AA, Dieserud G, Wenckstern S. The Mask of Suicide. Arch Suicide Res. 2022 Jul-Sep;26(3):1072-1093. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1851832. Epub 2020 Nov 30. PMID: 33256543.
Written By:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology
On July 25, 2024
