By: Alexia Cabreras, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S

Self Injury

Self injury is widely known as the act of hurting your own body by inflicting pain or damage on yourself. As straightforward as it sounds, it's a very complex topic to understand, especially for those who may wonder why someone would choose to intentionally hurt themselves. Many times, those inflicting pain within themselves do it as a means to cope with multiple levels of distress. In the midst of the chaos that individuals go through, self-harming allows them to feel "real" and feel in the present. Throughout the years, those who lack understanding have often argued that self-harming is a means to "get attention." I say otherwise; it's a cry for help. Throughout this blog, I hope to share some awareness and education associated with self-harm; as a society, this is a topic that needs more education in order to best help those suffering in silence.

How can you determine if someone is self-harming?

Oftentimes, there are many warning signs that someone may be engaging in self-harm. This can be recognized through observations of new marks in someone's body, social withdrawal, changes in mood, avoidance, and many other forms of abnormal behavior. When it comes to self-harm behavior, it can vary and look different for multiple people. Here, I have listed some of the most common forms of self-harm. It's important to mention these are a few, but the list is not limited to only those mentioned. Unfortunately, individuals are able to be creative by self-harming and using unique materials to engage in the act itself. Check for things like: -       Cutting (often the arms or hidden areas such as inner thighs) -       Burning -       Scratching -       Picking (scabs or skin) -       Hair pulling -       Hitting Other forms of self-harm: -       Alcohol Use -       Drug Use -       Unprotected sex with strangers -       Overdosing on prescription medication These are forms of inflicting injury without the concept of causing direct "pain."

Non Suicidal Self Injury

Individuals who engage in self-harm are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Though the statistics prove this to often be true, there is something known as nonsuicidal self-injury, and just like it sounds, it's the act of self-injury without the intention of ending one's life. The fact of the matter is that causing "pain" to one's body can bring a sense of control to many who feel they lack control in other aspects of their life. For many, self-harming brings comfort and a sense of relief to the events causing distress in their life.

Types of Support

People who self-harm with intentions to end their lives often need multiple levels of support. If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage them to seek help! Therapy is one of the most common sources of help in order to process the distress taking place and gain guidance to find appropriate coping skills to replace unhealthy behaviors. Many times, self-injury is a symptom of depression; seeking medication through a psychiatrist can alleviate some of the dark thoughts and enhance overall well-being. Self-harm (injury) is very serious and should always be taken seriously when you or someone you know is struggling as a means to ensure safety. Support goes a long way. Reach out and find the best course of action to help reduce the likelihood of committing long-term damage.

Begin Therapy in Katy, TX

If you or someone you know is struggling with self harm, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help. We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

• Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
• Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
• Find ways to thrive through therapy today!

Other Therapy Services We Offer: 

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men's issues, women's issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!