Self-harming behaviors can be concerning as well as confusing. If someone you know is engaging in self-harm, it can be difficult to put yourself in their shoes. Even those who do engage in self-harm don’t always know exactly why they harm themselves. Are you having a hard time understanding the psychology behind self-harm? Learning about some of the potential causes of this behavior can help.

Self-harm should be addressed as soon as possible. While these behaviors are not always associated with suicidality, they can still lead to serious injuries and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 660,000 emergency department visits for self-harm injuries in 2021 alone. Self-harming behaviors often escalate over time. Intervening quickly can help you address these behaviors before they become life threatening. Treatment, such as psychotherapy, can be valuable to those experiencing thoughts of self-harm. Therapy may involve identifying the core processes behind the urge to self-harm. This can help you change negative mental and behavioral patterns that contribute to self-harm.

Reasons why someone might self-harm

• Emotional pain — Self-harming behaviors are often a way to cope with emotional pain or distress. Someone who self-harms may feel like the physical pain helps release their emotional pain. People experiencing low moods and persistent sadness tend to be at a higher risk for self-harm. These symptoms are often related to conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD). Though self-harming can seem like the only way to cope in the moment, it can lead to worsening mental health symptoms over time. Finding more healthy, effective and sustainable coping mechanisms can be crucial to experiencing long-term relief.
• Emotional numbness — Depression can come with a feeling of emotional numbness. This numbness can be just as distressing as deep emotional pain. Feeling numb may make you feel more detached and less present in the world. You may feel like you’re incapable of experiencing positive emotions. This is sometimes called depressive anhedonia. For some, self-harm can seem like one of the few activities that still creates strong sensations. Finding better ways to reconnect with your emotions can have a major impact on reducing self-harming behaviors.
• Trouble communicating — Do you have a hard time talking to others about your mental health? If so, your self-harming behaviors could be rooted in a desire to express yourself. People experiencing mental health disorders often have difficulty explaining their condition. This can lead to self-harming and other risky behaviors that act as a cry for help. If someone you know is struggling with self-harming behaviors, it’s important to recognize that their behavior may be a form of communication. Inviting them to discuss their thoughts and emotions in a supportive, judgment-free setting can help. If you yourself are engaging in self-harm as an expressive outlet, you may benefit from channeling your feelings into other forms of self-expression. Activities like journaling and sketching can be great for expressing your feelings without hurting yourself. You can also reach out to a trusted individual or treatment provider for support. Peer support groups can offer a safe, understanding place for sharing your thoughts and feelings.
• Feeling out of control — Self-harm can be a way to exert control. When you feel like you have no control over other aspects of your life, self-harm can feel like something you choose. Fortunately, there are better ways to regain a sense of control. Structuring your schedule and practicing mindfulness are two great ways to reduce unpredictability and have more agency in your life. You can discover further helpful strategies with the help of a therapist or peer support group.
• Self-punishment — Do you often feel guilty for no clear reason? Persistent guilt is a common symptom of conditions like depression and complicated grief. Strong feelings of guilt can make you feel like you deserve punishment, which can come in the form of self-harm. The key to addressing self-punishment is challenging negative thought processes and self-talk. A treatment provider can help you shift your mindset from self-punishment to self-care and acceptance.

Get help managing and preventing self-harming behaviors with Lightfully Behavioral Health

Are you trying to understand and address your self-harming habits? Lightfully Behavioral Health can help. With compassionate, whole-person-centered care, we’ll help you manage your symptoms and find healthier coping mechanisms. Our clinical Precision Care Model (PCM) is a fully personalized framework. PCM directly targets the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms. With our help, you can curb self-harming behaviors and alleviate other symptoms that cause you distress.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to find a way out of self-harming habits, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.