Counseling Benefits for Self-Harm
in Older Adults

It is often believed that self-harm is a behavior of teenagers and young adults. This belief is not only false but incredibly problematic. Self-harm is not restricted to any specific age group. Studies show that self-injury is becoming more prevalent in older age groups, affecting adults and seniors much more than many would imagine. The lack of understanding when it comes to self-injury leaves many cases under or unreported, preventing those struggling from reaching out and seeking help.

Although the majority of those who engage in self-harm are not intent on ending their life, a closer relationship between the two exists in older people. Self-harming senior adults are at higher risk of inflicting more severe injuries and accidentally bringing about harm that can potentially endanger their health and life. This emphasizes the need for early intervention and a better support system for older people following an episode of self-harm. Individual counseling may be beneficial to improve the quality of life of older people who may be particularly susceptible to this.

Understanding Self-Harm in Older Adults

Whether it involves an individual of a particular age range, gender, social class or status, race and sexual orientation, self-harm is defined as an intentional act to harm the body without an objective to end one’s life.

Adult self-harm usually consists of cutting, one of the most common forms in harming the body. Some may inflict harm through burning or head banging. The injury is usually done on body parts that can be easily hidden by clothing, such as arms, wrists or legs. In most cases, these behaviors are meant to return to a state of equilibrium and achieve an emotional balance or integration when feeling extremely out of sorts.

Self-injury is often reported as being used as a coping strategy, a means to cope with intense emotions. This poses danger as it could result in irreparable physical damage, leading to infection, shock, blood loss, and even death.

Compared to self-harm in younger people, self-injury with older adults may be more difficult to treat if it is a behavior that has gone on for a long amount of time.

Rationale Behind Self-Harm in Seniors

Self-harm is often a sign that something more is going on, such as depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, some of the reasons why adults self-injure include:

  • Difficulty coping with intense emotions.
  • Severe trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse.
  • Social isolation.
  • Poor physical health.
  • Distraction from painful life events, and a release of emotional pain caused by family, marriage or work.
  • On-going symptoms of psychosis that separate adults from reality.

The motive among older people to engage in self-harm differs, though many report that they self-harm for the following reasons:

  • Escaping from an intolerable situation.
  • Gaining relief from a negative state of mind.
  • Drawing physical attention to how they are feeling internally.
  • Focusing emotional pain onto physical pain.
  • A way of dissociating/numbing pain.

Over time, self-harm can transform itself into a habit. Like addiction, a false sense of relief is often felt and gives a person an escape from their thoughts after engaging in the behavior.

When Worried About an Older Loved One

It may not be easy to ask someone you love if they have been self-harming. It may be difficult for them to open up, though your curiosity may demonstrate your care and concern. Although they may try to keep it a secret, there are obvious signs to look for. They can include the following:

  • Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, scratches or burn marks.
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
  • Wearing inappropriate clothes, such as jackets during summer.
  • Separate washing of clothes.
  • Avoiding activities that require exposing body parts, such as swimming.
  • Excessive irritability.
  • Withdrawal from social life.
  • Prolonged stay in the bedroom or bathroom.

The Next Steps

Self-harm is serious and often requires intervention. It can be scary to ask for help if you have been harming yourself. Though you may be afraid, you are not alone. Behaviors can be changed, and recovery is possible. Seeking help can be the right step to take if you want to break the cycle of self-harm.

When you are ready, reaching out to a qualified therapist can help you work toward recovery. Therapy can help you to identify your triggers and find healthier alternatives.

Find the help you need with an independently contracted therapist with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. Your counselor can help you find your way and become a better version of yourself. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

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