SELF-MUTILATION EXPLAINED
Self-mutilation is the persistent self-injurious behaviour that is characterised in some instances by burning or imprinting with hot objects, cutting and reopening old wounds, pulling of hair and banging head against objects. It may be difficult to actually know that an individual has selfmutilating behaviour as most often hide it. Despite the act being secretive, it is quite common hence the reason the issue is up for discussion this week.
The act of self-injury is often a strategy to temporarily try and deal with emotional distressful situations and anxiety. For some it may be a signal or a cry for help. Some individuals have been raised in environments that are hostile and discouraging expressions of emotions, as a result they may resort to express their emotions in this manner. There is a thought also that self-injurious behaviour maybe to channel the hurt unto self and avoiding to hurt someone else. Self-mutilation maybe a symptom of some mental disorders. It is often associated with several psychiatric disorders. Individuals having substance use disorders, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia may be more prone to the behaviour.
The act of self-mutilation can occur in any individual across all sexes but is more common among adolescents, more especially females. Emerging evidence have further highlighted that individuals who are not skilled in expressing emotions and those that have endured abuse, be it sexual, emotional or physical, are also vulnerable to self-mutilate.
Even though we earlier highlighted that those that engage in self-injurious act hide their behaviour, there may be some signs that we may look out for. Wearing of long sleeved clothing in extremely hot weather and scars that could not be explained are some of the warning signs of self-mutilation. It is important to see a mental health professional who will make a diagnosis and come up with an appropriate treatment options.
In view of the fact that self-mutilation occur with other mental disorders, some psychotropics may be prescribed. Various psychotherapeutic approaches may be employed and include cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and family therapy to address family issues that perpetuate the behaviour.