| Info: Types of Abuse: Self-Abuse |
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Self-Abuse:(Also called self-injury, self-harm, self-mutilation) 1. The abuse of one's own self,
powers, or faculties. Self Abuse is when someone intentionally harms themselves, in a non-lethal way. The most discussed and accepted cases of self-abuse are those related to physical damage(cutting, burning etc.). This definition can be extended to include negative self-talk (I am a worthless person), denying pleasure to self, or any action taken against the self which is destructive. |
Physical
Abuse |
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Generally self-abuse is harm
knowingly caused, however I have also seen Examples of Self-Abuse: -cutting Self-Abuse is often connected with other abusive behaviours, such as Eating Disorders, and Substance Abuse. However, self-injury (in my personal experience) is often the symptom of other problems, and not the problem itself. Individuals who injure themselves may be experiencing so much emotional pain that the injury to themselves helps them cope with feelings which seem overwhelming. There is a link between abuse victims, and self-harm. This does not necessarily mean an individual has suffered from trauma/abuse in the past, as there are several mental disorders which may also result in self-abuse, even low self-esteem and depression have been known to relate. But the possibility does exist. According to SAFE, up to 50% of patients who are treated for inflicting harm on themselves have been sexually abused, and 80 to 90% of patients were discouraged from expressing their negative emotions. The very real danger with an individual who harms themselves, is that their behaviour becomes a focus, when it can actually be a symptom of another problem. If the actions themselves are focused on, they may continue, without seeing the rest of the person who is hurting. Like eating disorders, self-abuse may help the individual who suffers feel they have a measure of control and personal power in their lives. "It's just a cry for help." While self-abuse may be a cry for help in some cases, this is not always the case, and there are individuals who will go to great pains to hide their actions from others. There is a myth that someone who self-harms is at a low risk for suicide. Current statistics are unclear on how accurate that may be, and there are many different opinions regarding self-mutilation and abuse. Do not assume that one who self-abuses will not commit suicide. There are many factors involved in why a person makes such a decision, but while self-injury may be a cry for help, it may also be an indicator of suicidal thoughts and intent. It can be extremely painful and frightening for loved ones to cope with the actions of an individual who harms themselves on a regular basis. I can not say enough about the positive power of therapy and intervention. While the family may be supportive, living with someone who struggles with this can be come something akin to a war. The parents and loved ones find themselves constantly on guard against, having to lock up sharp objects, having to constantly monitor the person, and even perform room checks. Ultimately families in this situation can become locked in a power struggle with the person who continues their destructive behaviour. As a family, while it is your role to be supportive, sometimes the best thing you can do for someone who is struggling with self-destructive behaviours, is to find a treatment program, which places the individual in a facility where they can be monitored, treated, and if necessary given appropriate medication. Do not blame yourselves for being unable to help or "save" the individual. Instead allow them to be cared for by trained professional who can effectively help the person involved. Work with professionals who have experience with this form of abuse. Self-Abuse is a very real issue today, and one that should be taken seriously. Someone who harms themselves in order to release pain, is expressing a very real need for help.
Self-Abuse Links: S.A.F.E in Canada: (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Therapeutic intervention, resources and information Secret Shame: Self Injury Website with resources, messageboards, personal stories and assessments. Pagewise: Article titled "What is self mutilation and other self abusive behaviours?" Focus is teenage self-injury. SLS Health Treatment Services: Short reference article about self-abuse, link to self-assessment for risk. Discovery Health Channel: Page about self-abuse. Focus is teenage self-injury, and eating disorders. Aeoliah's Book: Excerpt from book. Chapter talks about self-abuse in various forms from the author's perspective. About.com: List of links to various resources/websites. Self-Injury, Abuse & Trauma Resource Directory: exactly what it says it is. Befrenders.org: Warning signs of suicide. Also a directory search for treatment centers and crisis lines.
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