The deliberate act of inflicting injury on oneself, often referred to as self-harm, is not necessarily an attempt to end one’s life. It is, however, a sign of distress that may need to be addressed immediately. If you belong to the growing number of people who have the tendency to engage in self-harm, or you have a family member who does, you may benefit from counseling in order to find the underlying cause.

What’s making you want to hurt yourself?

Like other individuals who intentionally self-harm, you may hurt yourself as an expression of feeling powerless, trapped, or left with no choices. Cutting, scratching, or bruising may be some of the acts you engage in to numb intense emotions, perhaps related to an upsetting or traumatic experience from your past or even in response to intense fear. Stress can reinforce these intense feelings, leaving you feeling that the only way to express these feelings is through harming yourself.

At times, you may find that the pain of self-injury causes you to shift your focus from emotional pain. Due to its anesthetizing effect, self-harm may be regarded as a defensive mechanism employed to survive trauma, pain or anxiety. Behind all these motivators, there are often deeper concerns that need to be looked at in order to find the real reason for your deliberate self-harm. Some contributing factors may be; low self-esteem, family conflict and/or domestic violence.

The Kind of Help You Need

Perhaps you want to stop harming yourself, but don’t know where or how to begin. Yes, it’s possible to stop. Talking to your family or friends may help, and it is important to carefully choose who to confide in when addressing your feelings. You may also wish to prepare yourself for an emotional or even shocked reaction from your support system, as it is not always easy for others to grasp or understand self-harm.

Apart from addressing any medical concerns related to your injuries, you may need the kind of help a professional therapist can provide. A counselor can help you explore and better understand your urge to injure yourself. The more you understand, the more likely you are able to choose healthier ways to manage distress.

Regaining Your Self-Control

Taking control of your emotions and behaviors when you are feeling upset is possible. You may be better able to gain this control with the guidance of a mental health professional. With the independently contracted therapists at Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, you will be listened to and heard. The first step is to call CCS to arrange your first appointment. Therapists are waiting to offer support that starts with the care and understanding that you deserve. Call today to schedule.

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