Self harming is the act of an individual committing harm on themself. It is typically a cry for help and can affect anyone at any age. There is no stereotypical profile for a self harmer so care workers need to understand the warning signs in order to deduce whether someone is engaging in self harming behaviours. This article highlights some of the common self harming signs and triggers that care workers may come across.
Identifying the warning signs can be a complicated process. Self harmers typically carry out self harm in private and will go to great lengths to keep others from seeing evidence of their activities.
Self Harming SIGNS and warnings
Typically people associate self harming with the act of cutting their own skin with tools such as razors, knives or scissors. Unfortunately self harming involves other behaviours that include;
- overdosing (taking a high quantity of over the counter, illegal or prescribed drugs)
- impact with objects (this self-harm behavior includes banging or punching objects to the point of brusing or bleeding)
- burning skin
- hair-pulling (trichotillomania – a medical condition where a person feels compelled to pull out their own hair and even ingest the hair)
- interfering with healing (the individual purposefully hampers the healing of wounds)
- rubbing objects into the skin (this self-harm behavior involves the rubbing of sharp objects, such as glass)
- self impact (banging or punching themself to the point of bleeding or bruising)
Warning signs for specific behaviours may be particular to that behaviour, though common signs might include:
- Secrecy, such as keeping a specific drawer locked or hiding specific items.
- Unexplained cuts and bruises on the body.
- Wearing long clothing (sleeves and pants), even in warm weather.
- A breakdown in general communication.
- Mood swings or mood changes.
- Changes to eating patterns.
- Changes to sleeping patterns.
- Changes to socialising patterns.
- Evidence of drug or medical documentation (IE leaflets, pamphlets).
- Evidence of carrying unnecessary sharp objects, matches or lighters.
- Poor performance or results at school or work.
- Loss of interest in favorite hobbies or sports.
Risk Factors of Self Harming
The chances of an individual engaging in self harming can be increased if they have experienced specific conditions prior to the act. These risk factors if present and in conjunction with the common warning signs can help identify the likelihood that the individual is self harming.
Common risk factors include:
- A history of being bullied.
- A history of bullying.
- A history of sexual abuse.
- A history of physical abuse.
- A history of neglect.
- Mental illness in the family.
- Substance abuse in the family.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
Self Harming and stress
Stress is another known factor that can lead to or aggravate aspects of self mutilation. The act of self harming in this instance leads to the individual associating self harming with a coping mechanism for any increase in their stress levels. According to a survey on self harming by three leading youth charities nearly a quarter of all male self harming victims used it as a way to cope with stress and pressure.
Self harming awareness training
At Online Care Courses we offer courses tailored to the care sector profession. Our Self-harm course included modules that discuss;
- What self-harm is.
- Self-harm in relation to current society.
- Self harming signs.
- How to identify different types of self-harm.
- Triggers and causes of emotional distress that could result in self harming.
- How to manage and support that at risk or involved.
- Information of help that is available and the most effective methods.
Further reading – SELF HARMING SIGNS
If you are worried about an individual that is showing signs of self-harm the following list of mental health professionals should be able to offer specific advice or support.
- The National Self Harm Network (www.nshn.co.uk),
- The Samaritans UK (www.samaritans.org.uk)
- Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk)