When is cutting serious

Learn about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide in this article. We also…. In this article, learn about why some people consider suicide. It also covers what to do if you or a loved one experiences these thoughts. Although borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder share some similar symptoms, they are different conditions. We take a look at agitated depression, a low mood involving uneasiness and anxiety.

Included in this article is detail on diagnosis and stress…. Why do people cut themselves? Medically reviewed by Timothy J.

Legg, Ph. Why people do it Warning signs The psychology of self-harm Causes Treatment Ways to help Harming oneself might seem unthinkable, but it is one of the most common mental health issues. Share on Pinterest A person experiencing depression or anxiety may be at risk of cutting themselves.

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Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a need for better coping skills. Several illnesses are associated with it, including borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety or posttraumatic distress disorder. Self-harm occurs most often during the teenage and young adult years, though it can also happen later in life. Those at the most risk are people who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse.

For instance, if a person grew up in an unstable family, it might have become a coping mechanism. If a person binge drinks or uses illicit drugs, they are at greater risk of self-injury, because alcohol and drugs lower self-control.

The urge to hurt yourself may start with overwhelming anger, frustration or pain. When a person is not sure how to deal with emotions, or learned as a child to hide emotions, self-harm may feel like a release. Once a person injures themself, they may experience shame and guilt. If the shame leads to intense negative feelings, that person may hurt themself again. The behavior can thus become a dangerous cycle and a long-time habit.

Some people even create rituals around it. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously. If someone is hurting themself, they may be at an increased risk of feeling suicidal. There are effective treatments for self-harm that can allow a person to feel in control again. Psychotherapy is important to any treatment plan. Self-harm may feel necessary to manage emotions, so a person will need to learn new coping mechanisms. The first step in getting help is talking to a trusted adult, friend or medical professional who is familiar with the subject, ideally a psychiatrist.

A psychiatrist will ask that person questions about their health, life history and any injurious behaviors in the past and present.

This conversation, called a diagnostic interview, may last an hour or more. The more information that person can give, the better the treatment plan will be. Depending on any underlying illness, a doctor may prescribe medication to help with difficult emotions. For someone with depression, for instance, an antidepressant may lessen harmful urges. A doctor will also recommend therapy to help a person learn new behaviors, if self-injury has become a habit. Several different kinds of therapy can help, depending on the diagnosis.

If your symptoms are overwhelming or severe, your doctor may recommend a short stay in a psychiatric hospital. With practice, everyone can do a better job of dealing with their negative emotions in healthy ways. By engaging in self-injury, a person intends to: Obtain relief from a negative feeling or mental state Resolve an interpersonal difficulty, like a disagreement with a friend or loved one Deal with an intrapersonal problem, like boredom Induce a positive feeling state [3].

Warning Signs. Warning signs that someone may be injuring themselves include: Unexplained frequent injuries including cuts and burns, Low self-esteem, Difficulty handling feelings, Relationship problems or avoidance of relationships, and Poor functioning at work, school or home.

Self-Injury and Suicide. Medication is often useful in the management of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and the racing thoughts that may accompany self-injury. Contracts, journals, and behavior logs are useful tools for regaining self-control. Interpersonal therapy assists individuals in gaining insight and skills for the development and maintenance of relationships. Successful courses of treatment are marked by: An individual's active involvement and committment to their treatment, Aftercare plans with support for the individual's new self-management skills and behaviors, and Collaboration between all involved professionals medical and otherwise.

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