Self-harm is a destructive behavior that involves intentionally inflicting physical harm on oneself. Often, people turn to self-harm as a mechanism to cope with stress, emotional distress, pain, or internal turmoil. It is important to understand that self-harm is not a suicide attempt, but rather a way of expressing overwhelming emotions or a need to feel temporary relief. There are different types of self-harm, each with its own characteristics and underlying motivations. In this article, we will explore the 10 most common types of self-injury and the associated disorders that are often present in those who self-injure.
1. Cuts
One of the most common methods of self-harm is through cuts to the skin. People who cut themselves often do so with razors, knives, or other sharp objects, and often choose areas of the body where the marks can be easily hidden. Cuts can be shallow or deep, and often leave visible scars. For those who self-harm in this way, cutting may provide a sense of temporary relief or control over their overwhelming emotions.
Associated Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
The Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental condition characterized by impulsivity, emotional instability, insecurity in self-image, and chaotic interpersonal relationships. People with BPD often turn to self-harm as a way to regulate their intense emotions and feel a momentary sense of calm or relief. Self-harm through cutting is common in individuals with BPD.
2. Burns
Self-inflicted burns are another form of self-harm that involves applying heat to the skin. This can be done with cigarettes, matches, hot irons, or other heat sources. Burns can leave lasting marks on the skin and can be painful both physically and emotionally. As with other types of self-harm, burns can serve as a form of escape or self-regulation for those who practice them.
Associated Disorder: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a traumatic experience. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and difficulty regulating emotions. Some people with PTSD turn to self-harm, including burns, as a way to cope with the emotional distress caused by their traumatic memories.
3. Hitting
Another common type of self-harm is hitting yourself, either with fists, blunt objects, or hitting your head against hard surfaces. Blows can result in bruises, bruises, or more serious injuries. People who beat themselves often seek to release overwhelming emotions, relieve internal tension, or punish themselves.
Associated Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by profound sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, and disturbances in sleep and appetite. Some people with severe depression may resort to self-harm, such as hitting themselves, as a way to express emotional pain or feel something physical when they experience emotional numbness.
4. Scratching
Compulsive scratching of the skin until it causes wounds is another method of self-harm that some people use to release emotional tension. Scratching can lead to skin irritation, infections and permanent scarring. People who scratch often find temporary relief from the physical pain they cause, as this allows them to focus on a tangible sensation rather than internal distress.
Associated Disorder: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and recurring thoughts (obsessions) that generate anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in an attempt to relieve that anxiety (compulsions). Compulsive scratching can be a symptom of OCD, as the person feels the need to scratch to reduce emotional distress or to satisfy an obsessive compulsion.
5. Bites
Self-injury through biting occurs when a person bites the skin with the intention of causing harm. Bites can leave dental marks on the skin and, like other methods of self-harm, can be a way to release intense emotions or feel control over an overwhelming situation. Some people also resort to biting as a mechanism of self-criticism or punishment.
Associated Disorder: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worries and persistent on a wide range of topics, accompanied by symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness and muscle tension. People with GAD may resort to self-harm, such as biting, as a way to cope with overwhelming anxiety and find a temporary way to relieve their emotional distress.
6. Hair pulling
The disorder known as trichotillomania involves an uncontrollable urge to pull out one's own hair. This form of self-harm can lead to hair loss, scalp damage, and feelings of shame and guilt. People who suffer from trichotillomania often experience momentary relief by pulling out their hair, which may be an attempt to calm anxiety or control overwhelming feelings.
Associated Disorder: Acute Stress Disorder
Acute Stress Disorder is an immediate psychological reaction to a stressful or traumatic event. People with this disorder may experience symptoms such as anxiety, dissociation, and intrusive memories of the traumatic event. Trichotillomania can be a symptom of this disorder, as the person resorts to pulling out their hair as a way to cope with the emotional distress caused by the stressful event.
7. Ingesting inedible substances
Some people resort to self-harm by ingesting inedible substances, such as chalk, hair, paper, or other indigestible objects. This form of self-harm can be dangerous to physical health, as it can cause intestinal blockages, poisoning, or internal injuries. The ingestion of inedible substances can be an indication of deep emotional distress and a need to channel that distress in a destructive way.
Associated Disorder: Eating Disorder
Disorders Eating behavior disorders, such as pica, involve the ingestion of non-nutritive substances over a period of at least one month. People with eating disorders may resort to self-harm by eating inedible objects as a way to cope with anxiety, stress, or dissatisfaction with their body. The ingestion of inedible substances can be a self-destructive behavior associated with these disorders.
8. Hits to the head
Some people self-harm by hitting their heads against hard objects, walls or doors. This type of self-harm can have serious health consequences, including concussions, brain damage, or head injuries. Hitting your head can be a way of channeling frustration, emotional pain or internal conflict through physical aggression directed towards oneself.
Associated Disorder: Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder is characterized by outbursts of uncontrollable anger and violent or aggressive behavior. People with IED may resort to self-harm, such as hitting their heads, as a way to vent their anger and frustration in destructive ways. Self-injury with blows to the head can be a symptom of IED in individuals who experience difficulties controlling their aggression.
9. Intentional overdose
Deliberately ingesting an excessive amount of medication, drugs or alcohol with the intention of harming yourself is a serious form of self-harm. Intentional overdoses can have fatal consequences and require immediate medical attention. This form of self-harm may be motivated by feelings of hopelessness, overwhelming emotional pain, or an attempt to escape reality.
Associated Disorder: Substance Use Disorder
Use Disorder Substance abuse involves problematic use of drugs and/or alcohol that causes significant difficulties in the person's life. Some people resort to self-harm through intentional overdoses as a way to self-medicate, relieve emotional distress, or seek an altered state of consciousness. Self-harm through overdose can be a symptom of this disorder.
10. Self-Strangulation
Self-strangulation, also known as autoerotic asphyxiation, involves restricting the flow of oxygen to the brain with the intention of experiencing a feeling of euphoria or sexual arousal. This form of self-harm is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury and even death. Self-strangulation can be a compulsive behavior associated with intense sensation seeking and momentary relief from emotional distress.
Associated Disorder: Paraphilia
Paraphilias are sexual disorders that involve desires, atypical and recurring fantasies or behaviors. Self-strangulation can be a symptom of a paraphilia in which the person seeks sexual arousal through dangerous and self-harming practices. Self-strangulation may indicate the presence of a paraphilia that requires specialized intervention and treatment.
Self-injury can manifest itself in various ways and each individual can resort to a specific method according to their personal experiences, emotions and needs. It is essential to understand that self-harm is a symptom of underlying distress and that those who self-harm need support, understanding and professional treatment to address the root causes of their self-destructive behavior.