Self-injury, also called SI or self-harm, involves inflicting pain and injury upon oneself. Common forms of self-injury are cutting, burning, or scratching; but, the methods used are irrelevant. They all involve inflicting pain and injury in order to provide release from overwhelming emotional suffering.
Contrary to popular belief, self-injurious behavior has more to do with survival than suicide. Those who self-injure do it as a means of self-preservation, a way to quell the storms that rage inside when no other hope of refuge is available. For Metalex00, SI provides "a way of releasing the inner turmoil that churns." For Jayzeey it is a means to release unresolved anger. Another member discovered in her early teens that it brought relief from stomach aches and nausea associated with anxiety. For Camzee it brings quick relief from suicidal thoughts.
Offering an explanation for why self-injury is so tempting, MsDani1 explains, "There is a biological reason why it makes you feel better - it releases endorphins. I do it to stop severe agitation and panic. I always used to get so mad at psych docs because they saw it only in terms of being self destructive (which is part of it I guess), but ignore the fact that it really does make you feel better immediately."
When other methods of relief are lacking, self-injury becomes a very compelling activity, some would even say addictive. Even a self-injurer who has not hurt themselves for years may find old patterns repeating when tensions mount. Camzee writes: "I first cut in 1983 and continued for 3 years. Tonight I did it again. The sad part is that it helped. I don't want to start the cycle again but it helped. I just want to cry." If self-injury is so compelling because it brings quick relief, what can be done to break this self-destructive habit?
Current methods of treatment involve first of all using medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anxiolytics to alleviate the underlying symptoms that patients are attempting to cope with via SI. Once the patient becomes stabilized on a medication, deeper therapeutic work must be done to deal with any underlying problems that are contributing to these symptoms. Long-term recovery involves learning new techniques for coping with turbulent emotions. Perhaps most importantly, patients need to be treated with compassion rather than force. Hospitalization and taking away implements used for self-harm may make friends and family feel more secure, but the patient is left feeling fearful and completely defenseless. Long-term healing involves helping the patient to control symptoms in a more positive way, such as journaling and anger management skills. If we are going to remove a negative coping skill, it is crucial to replace it with a more positive one.
