Columbia Associates is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room. 

Self-injury is an often misunderstood behavior. People can have misconceptions about self-injury that unintentionally worsen the situation for those who are experiencing it. Self-injury is most often a private act carried out to cope with overwhelming emotional pain or to feel a sense of control when a person’s world feels chaotic. Understanding the causes is critical to providing support for a loved one or finding the support that you need for yourself.

At Columbia Associates, we offer compassionate and evidence-based care, including mental health counseling, to help clients address self-injury and its underlying causes. Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about Columbia Associates. We can help.

Self-Injury Defined

Self-injury, or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to deliberate harm inflicted on one’s own body without suicidal intent. It is often used as a coping mechanism to manage emotional distress, express difficult or confusing feelings, or regain a sense of control.

Common examples of self-injurious behaviors include:

• Cutting or scratching the skin
• Burning or branding oneself
• Hitting or punching objects to cause physical harm
• Picking at wounds to prevent healing

If you’re feeling emotions that seem out of your control and participating in any of these behaviors, understand that you’re not alone. There are people who will listen without judgment and guide you toward healthier ways to cope with life’s hardest circumstances. Find compassionate care at Columbia Associates today. Call 703.682.8208.

Common Misconceptions About Self-Injury

People who do not engage in self-injury and have never had the urge to do so may misunderstand the behavior. They can sometimes attribute it to attention-seeking or assume it’s somehow linked to suicidal intent. In some circumstances, self-injury can be linked to suicidal intent, but it isn’t always the case. Many people who self-injure have no intention of taking their life.

Self-injury is most likely fueled by an intense need to release emotions that are extremely difficult to feel. People who engage in self-injury often describe a build-up of intense emotions before they harm themselves. This can include overwhelming levels of:

• Sadness
• Anger
• Frustration

Many people who engage in self-injurious behavior also report a sense of emotional numbness, where self-injury serves as a way to “feel something.” Others describe a racing mind filled with intrusive thoughts, leaving them feeling desperate for relief.

The Real Reasons for Self-Injury

Self-injury occurs for various reasons, often related to emotional regulation and coping with extremely challenging situations. Reasons for self-injury include:

• Managing overwhelming emotions – Self-injury can temporarily relieve intense feelings such as anger, sadness, or anxiety
• Expressing emotions – For people who find it hard to verbalize feelings, self-injury may serve as a physical outlet
• Regaining control – In chaotic situations, harming oneself can provide a sense of control over something tangible
• Coping with trauma – Past experiences of abuse or neglect often contribute to self-injurious behavior.
• Punishment or guilt – Some individuals use self-injury to punish themselves for perceived wrongdoings or as a response to feelings of shame

The pull toward self-injury can be difficult to ignore when a person is dealing with seemingly insurmountable circumstances or doesn’t know how to get their emotional needs met. The important thing to do is offer a loved one compassion and encourage them to get professional support.

Possible Signs of Self-Injury

If you suspect that a loved one could be engaging in self-injurious behavior, here are some signs to be on the lookout for:

• Unexplained scars, cuts, or burns
• Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather
• Keeping sharp objects nearby
• Avoiding discussions about injuries
• Withdrawal from social interactions

If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, seeking professional help is essential. Maintain a compassionate approach and encourage your loved one to get the support they need.

How Therapy Can Address Self-Injury

Therapy plays a vital role in helping people overcome self-injurious behaviors. Columbia Associates offers a trauma-informed approach and evidence-based therapies including, but not limited to:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Helping individuals identify and replace harmful thought patterns
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Teaches skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance

At Columbia Associates, our therapists use tailored approaches to meet each client’s needs, providing effective and compassionate care.

Recovery Is Possible

With the proper support, recovery is possible. If you’re struggling, reach out to a trusted friend or family member, and consider regularly incorporating self-care activities over time. However, it’s also extremely important to get professional support. A trained therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of self-injury and help you develop a plan for long-term recovery.

Call Columbia Associates Today for Support

Columbia Associates offers a range of mental health services to address self-injury and its underlying causes. Individualized therapy, medication management, and in-person or telehealth sessions are available. Call 703.682.8208 today to schedule a consultation.

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