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Spotlight Reviews for Rehabs Treating Self-Harm
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Spotlight Reviews for Rehabs Treating Self-Harm
Self-harm is a form of non-suicidal self-injury with the purposeful intent to hurt yourself. It includes cutting, burning, bruising, and breaking bones. While suicide isn’t the intent of self-harm, hurting yourself can make a suicide attempt more likely.
If you suspect your child or other loved one may be self-harming, be on the lookout for any of the following warning signs:
If you suspect someone you love is struggling with self-harm, you can bring your concerns to them in a supportive and empathetic way. Start with an open conversation. If they choose to confide in you, you can first take what they’ve been using to self-harm. This keeps them safe as you discuss the next steps.
Your loved one will need to seek professional mental health treatment to begin their recovery, but you can help them stay safe and feel supported as they go through the process.
A listening ear, compassion, and empathy can help them feel heard. It may be difficult for your loved one to open up to you at first, and you may feel them attempt to shut down or pull away. You can make a continued effort to spend time with your loved one, even if they shy away at first. Try to keep the line between you and them open—it can help more than you know.
Self-harm’s long-term effects range from physical to psychological. Long-term physical effects can include permanent scars, infection, nerve damage, and difficulty healing from future injuries.
Psychological effects may include depression, anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, and difficulties with self-image. You may also develop an addiction to self-harm, and run a higher risk of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts.
Repeated self-harm can lead to infection, especially if you can’t take proper care of the wounds. A wound infection could travel to your heart and other areas of your body, which would require medical treatment.
For some, the entire process of self-harm serves as a soothing distraction from their emotions. It also becomes a task that makes them feel in control. Needing to clean, dress, and monitor the wound can offer a respite from situations, feelings, or people that demand attention.
Self-harm may also be a non-verbal cry for help. Your wounds may draw the attention of someone who could help you, or someone who could offer compassion.
Someone could self-harm for many reasons. Some of these include:
Yes, many centers focus specifically on treating mental health conditions, including depression and self-harm. Many other rehab centers treat co-occurring mental health disorders like depression alongside substance use disorders. You can attend several levels of treatment for self-harm. These include:
In each level of care, you’ll likely receive 1-1 therapy with a therapist and participate in group therapy. The exact type of therapies used will vary based on your symptoms, medical history, age, and more. But you can expect to engage in one or more types of evidence-based therapy throughout your treatment.
Psychiatrists and therapists often use a combination of different therapies depending on the individual patient’s needs and unique presentation of self-harm. Psychiatrists may also prescribe medication as an adjunct to therapy. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to help the patient to develop healthy coping skills and strategies to manage self-harm.
A dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder, is a mental health disorder that accompanies a substance use disorder.
Depression and addiction often co-occur, meaning that a person can suffer from both a mental health disorder (depression) and a substance use disorder (addiction) at the same time.
People with depression may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to try to manage their symptoms, which can lead to addiction. Similarly, they may use self-harm to manage the symptoms of depression or another mental health condition.
In the US, over 9 million adults have a co-occurring disorder and half of those with a serious mental disorder have co-occurring substance use disorder.
If your self-harm is clinically defined as a serious health condition, then you can receive Family and Medical Leave Act support. The FMLA ensures that you do not lose your job when taking necessary time (up to 12 weeks) off to heal from a serious health condition. This act also guarantees that you retain the same terms of employment that you originally had for your job.
What’s provided in your FMLA may vary and has requirements for eligibility. Talk with your Human Resources (HR) department at work or look online for more information on FMLAs.
Treatment for self-harm can address the thoughts behind it and alleviate the need to self-harm. With proper treatment, self-harm isn’t usually a chronic condition.
Mental health conditions related to self-harm, like depression, can go into remission and recur throughout your life. But recurrences can be treated efficiently and quickly.
Relapsing with self-harm is possible. You can seek professional treatment to understand and treat the root causes of self-harm to prevent future relapses. Most self-harm treatment programs include relapse prevention planning, aftercare, and connections to additional resources, like support groups.
A recurrence doesn’t mean your treatment failed. It just means you need additional help to get back into healing.
Your doctor can help you set up your first step in treatment. At your appointment, be sure to tell them
You can then ask questions about your next steps in treatment. Here’s some examples:
After your discussion, your doctor may evaluate you for a mental health condition like depression, or refer you to a psychologist. They might also refer you to a therapist, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with depression. In certain cases, your doctor may refer you to inpatient treatment to keep you safe.
Medications can treat the mental health conditions and distress causing self-harm. Antidepressants, for example, can help relieve symptoms of depression.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are an effective class of medications for depression. Other forms of medications may be a better fit for you. Your doctor or psychiatrist will match you to an effective antidepressant.
Finding the right fit may take time. Your prescriber may try different doses and different medication classes before your symptoms abate. Depending on your situation, you may take medications for a few months or for a few years.
When talking to your doctor about antidepressants, keep these questions in mind:
Small lifestyle changes can help manage your mood and reduce the likelihood of self-harm.
Stay Close to Your Support Group
Stay connected to friends and family to maintain a strong support network as you navigate your symptoms and treatment. A conversation with a loved one can help you work through triggers without self-harming.
Create a Safe Environment
Keep sharp objects and utensils out of your home and environment. Not having the tools around to self-harm can make you less likely to do it and more likely to pursue another coping tool.
Sleep Hygiene
Establish a regular sleep routine and prioritize getting enough sleep. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and practice relaxation techniques before bed to promote better sleep quality.
Being more well-rested can help you resist urges to self-harm and improve your overall mood.
Stress Management
Try stress-reducing activities like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These practices can help manage stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Regular Exercise
Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Healthy Diet
Maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Some evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, may be associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depression.
Residential rehab offers you or your loved one the opportunity to start anew in a setting tailored to your needs. With a variety of available options, one is sure to be perfect for you.