Understanding Self-Abuse and Learning Ways to Break the Cycle
by- Catrese Medley
When asked to name several types of abuse, most people do not mention Self-Abuse. Self-Abuse is behavior that causes damage or harm to oneself. It often manifests because of another mental health issue. This type of abuse can be triggered by the thought of a prior or ongoing trauma and may manifest in different ways. Many people are embarrassed to admit that they inflict Self-Abuse, but studies show around 2% to 6% of the public engages in Self-Abuse, and students do so at an even higher percentage rate of 13% to 35% (Veteran Affairs, 2022). Experiencing trauma often leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is an anxiety disorder caused by stressful or distressing events (Veteran Affairs, 2022). Common symptoms that accompany PTSD are flashbacks and nightmares, which may lead to Self-Abuse.
Self-Abuse includes the person cutting themself, punching themself or objects, burning themself, pulling out their own hair, poking objects through body openings, breaking their own bones, and bruising themself (Mental Health, 2022).
As a result of past trauma, some people report feeling numb and having the desire to distract themselves from painful feelings or punish themselves. Aside from physical modes of violence, Self-Abuse can come in the form of alcoholism, drug abuse, and eating disorders.
Scientists have reported a link between PTSD and binge eating, a form of Self-Abuse (Brody, 2015). Studies have shown that 1 in 4 people who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder have PTSD (Brody, 2015). Binge Eating may occur after a person has seen or has suffered:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Life-threatening accident
- Violent or accidental death of a loved one
- Terrorism or War
- Seeing a serious crime, such as a murder or rape (Brody, 2015).
How can we overcome Self-Abuse?
To overcome Self-Abuse, self-awareness is key. To do so means acknowledging feelings and triggers. If you are unsuccessful in preventing an act of Self-Abuse, reflect on what happened so you can help yourself in the future. You may find a benefit in keeping a journal to record your emotions and triggers and any successful attempts to distract yourself. Distraction is another key to overcoming Self-Abuse. For example, if feeling alone triggers Self-Abuse, spending time with a beloved animal can provide some temporary relief.
Creative activities can also help you get your feelings out in the open and provide distractions. Drawing, painting, doodling, and molding clay are great options to spark your creativity and find an artistic way to express yourself (Raypole, 2021).
It is important to know you are not alone, and it is possible to cope with feelings without harming oneself. Talking to a trusted friend or family member is a great way to connect, and even reaching out to a trusted mentor or counselor can be extremely beneficial. There are more affordable options for therapy and in the privacy of your home, like BetterHelp Online Therapy (Betterhelp, 2022). Therapy can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms and skills to ensure safety and security are a priority.
Several different kinds of therapy can help depending on the diagnosis:
- Psychodynamic therapy explores past experiences and emotions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy uses coping skills to pinpoint negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy uses positive coping methods (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).
If your symptoms are overwhelming and severe enough, your doctor may recommend treatment in a psychiatric hospital. This environment will allow you time to focus on treatment (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).
Access to traditional Abuse Care treatment is limited and often accrues a high cost. Abuse Refuge Org is currently raising awareness and capital to develop a cost-free access portal to all your Abuse Care related needs (ARO, 2022).
ARO is helping people recognize and identify different types of abuse and find solutions through a proprietary program created by the Co-Founder and Global Managing Director of ARO, Michael Gibson, called Norm Therapy® which takes the Victim/Survivor through:
- Identifying their abusive circumstances
- Identifying their strengths and weaknesses
- Providing solutions towards preparing for a more formal professional counseling, therapy, and possible extraction from abuse
If you have been or are currently in an abusive situation or know of someone that is, ARO is here to support you in your personal healing journey to complete well-being. We bring awareness and education to 13 different types of abuse including Narcissistic, Sexual, Physical, Psychological, Financial, Child, Self, Cyberbullying, Bullying, Spousal, Elder, Isolation, and Workplace, and help others heal and find peace. Please support our efforts by going to GoARO.org to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community.
Sources:
Abuse Refuge Org (2022). Norm Therapy. https://abuserefuge.org/norm-therapy/
Brody, B. (2015, January 24). The link between trauma and binge eating. Webmd. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/features/ptsd-binge-eating
Mental Health Gov. (2022). Self-harm. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/self-harm
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). Self-harm. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Self-harm
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022) PTSD: National Center for PTSD Self-Harm and Trauma. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/self_harm.asp
Raypole, C. (2021, March 12). Seeking an alternative to self-harm? These 7 strategies can help. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/self-harm-alternatives#try-guided-imagery
