How to Deal with Self-mutilation Addiction
Self-mutilation is a form of self-induced physical abuse, usually done through cutting, burning, or slashing one’s skin with a sharp object. This is an issue commonly seen in teens, though it can be transferred over to adulthood. Aside from the physical injuries, self-mutilation is also a symptom of underlying mental and emotional issues.
Forms of self-mutilation
As mentioned earlier, abuse usually is done by doing harm to one’s self through the use of a sharp object. Other forms of self-mutilation include piercing, bone-breaking, pulling out of hair, poisoning, and head banging. Aside from the injuries and the scarring, these can also lead to possible death should it be left unaddressed.
Possible causes behind such behaviors
Usually, people who perform self-mutilation have emotional and mental conditions to deal with. Some cases of self-mutilation have association with personality disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Generally, self-mutilation is seen as unhealthy outlets or expression of deep psychological pain. Exact reasons are hard to pinpoint, but people with self-mutilation addiction dwell on extremely negative thoughts and are highly critical of themselves.
Dealing with self-mutilation addiction
The best way to deal with self-mutilation addiction is to get professional help. One should consult a health provider to tend to the wounds and assess the damage. One should also get psychiatric help to determine the underlying cause of the condition. There are also several support groups that lend a hand to people with this condition. Treatments include medical treatment of the injury, and also therapy and medication to address the mental disorder. In some cases, confinement to a mental institution is necessary to ensure that the person would discontinue from harming him or herself.
Effects of self-mutilation addiction to one’s lifestyle
Self-mutilation is also associated with a lot of guilt and shame, so people who have this condition are usually withdrawn and unsocial. Another impact to one’s life is that the brunt of the injuries can disrupt social functioning at school or at work. But most of all, it has a negative impact on one’s world view, thus lessening the possibility of living a full and happy life.
When to get professional help
You should get help right away, even when you’re just planning on harming yourself. There are several hotlines to call, and one should turn to friends and family for support. With the right help, self-mutilation is treatable and surmountable. You can still get your life back on track despite experiencing self-mutilation addiction.
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Self-mutilation was a way of honoring the Gods as done by certain tribes in Africa. (NAT GEO). These people believe that through their pain the Gods they worship will be happy and give them blessings. There is also a genetic disorder that has a specific characteristic of self-mutilation. Lesch Nyhan Syndrome is a genetic disorder causing mental retardation and its most distinctive characteristic in patients is self-mutilation. Some people self-mutilate to seek attention. Majority of these people are those who have attention deficits.
Today, probably the most rampant cause of self-mutilation is a result of substance abuse like the CNS stimulants which decreases pain sensation and cause hallucinations. These people need professional help to deal with this problem. Self-mutilation is considered as an art for some people like those who are into body piercing. They feel beautiful when they have lots of needles pierced into different parts of their bodies such as the lips, eyebrows and nipples.