What is self harm psychology

Self harm is a complex psychological behavior typically associated with emotional regulation disorders, psychological stress, or mental illness. Self harm behavior may be caused by factors such as depression, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, etc. Self harming individuals often transfer or alleviate their inner pain through physical pain, but this approach cannot solve the fundamental problem and may instead lead to infections, scars, or more serious psychological problems. Self harm behavior is more common among adolescents and young adults, and may be related to self-identity crisis, family conflict, or social pressure. Some self injured individuals have difficulty expressing their emotions and are unable to describe their inner feelings in words, instead using physical harm as a means of communication. After self harm, there may be a brief emotional release, but with it comes a sense of shame or self blame, forming a vicious cycle. Self harm behavior requires professional psychological intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy can help patients establish healthy emotional regulation strategies. When parents or relatives discover self inflicted remains, they should avoid blaming them and instead provide emotional support and assistance in seeking medical treatment. Long term neglect of self harm behavior may exacerbate depression or trigger suicide risk, and early intervention is crucial for prognosis.