When a person harms themselves intentionally, it can be a way of expressing emotional pain, sadness, anger, or stress and a sign that they may need support and understanding. Recognizing the signs of self-harm is crucial if you or a loved one is engaging in harmful behaviors. Though self-injury may not be life-threatening, it can escalate if they do not seek help from a professional therapist.
The Ranch welcomes people who are at risk of self-harm and want help in learning how to control their emotions and feelings. Our OCD treatment in Nashville offers a full complement of behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medical support to treat your unique symptoms. You will participate in group and private therapy sessions where you will learn healthy coping and communication skills and bond with your peers. Our goal is to support your full recovery and improve your mental health.
Recognizing the Signs of Self-Harm in a Friend or Loved One
Self-harm is a condition where a person feels intense emotional stress or feelings they don’t know how to express verbally. It typically starts as a means to relieve built-up emotional pressure from distressing thoughts and feelings they do not know how to process. While the self-harm may cause temporary relief after the physical pain ends, the emotional pain is still there, and they may begin harming themselves more and more.
A person who self-harms will do what they can to hide it, but some signs are difficult to hide. Some of the signs of self-harm include:
- Scars on arms and legs
- Unexplained fresh cuts, scratches, or bruises
- A fascination with sharp objects and knives
- Wearing long sleeves and pants on hot days
- Frequent accidents
- Relationship troubles
- Behavioral and emotional changes
Why do some people engage in self-harm? It can be a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, challenging life circumstances, or stress. Factors like mental health struggles, feeling unsupported, or experiencing significant loss may contribute to this behavior.
Understanding Self-Harm and OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and self-harm are closely related, yet they share some similarities in compulsivity and emotional regulation. While self-harm is not a symptom of OCD, some people with the disorder will engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with how they feel.
To better understand how self-harm and OCD are related, here are some of the similarities between self-harm and OCD:
Compulsivity and Repetitive Behaviors
Both OCD and self-harm can involve repetitive behaviors that can be difficult to manage. For those with OCD, washing hands, checking, or counting are used to ease symptoms and reduce distress from their obsessions. Self-harm has similar behaviors, such as burning, cutting, and scratching, and they offer some relief from emotional pain.
Difficulty Controlling Emotional Regulation
Individuals with OCD and self-harming tendencies often struggle with intense emotions that are difficult to control and manage. OCD can produce overwhelming anxiety and distress, while self-harm is used as a means to cope with the emotional pain and numbness. If left untreated, people with OCD may turn to self-harm as a way to cope.
Cognitive Difficulties
Both OCD and self-harm may be a result of maladaptive thought patterns. These will include intrusive thoughts that keep repeating, rigid thinking, high self-criticism, and feeling out of control.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are common disorders that are associated with OCD and self-harm. Those with OCD can experience depression, which can contribute to self-harming behaviors. Those who self-harm may have an underlying disorder of anxiety or depression, and they harm themselves to feel better.
Despite the similarities between self-harm and OCD, there are some key differences to note. OCD is an anxiety-driven disorder, whereas self-harm is more related to emotional dysregulation and is a response to emotional pain. If you are diagnosed with OCD, you may not engage in self-harm, and not all people who self-harm are diagnosed with OCD.
Reach Out to The Ranch Today for Comprehensive OCD Treatment in Nashville
Recovery Ranch Tennessee is a full-service mental health treatment center that welcomes people who are struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder and who are harming themselves. We provide a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment where you can learn how to manage your symptoms and work towards lasting recovery.
For more information regarding the signs of self-harm, fill out our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet location.
