Self-harming behavior is harming the body of a young person without the intention of committing suicide. It can be seen as cutting, burning, punching a wall, breaking one’s own bone, or drinking toxic substances. Almost half of the youth have self-harming behavior.
Young people with self-harming behavior are generally those who have trouble solving problems, are tense and have difficulty in expressing their feelings.
Self-harming behavior is often considered as trying to get attention. However, the environment of the youth is mostly unaware of this behavior.
Self-harming behavior has a function in the youth’s life. These functions are:
1. Regulating emotions (soothing emotions).
Anxiety
Anger
Feeling inhibited
Depression
2. Changing circumstances.
Avoidance of problems
Stopping suicidal thoughts
3. Self-punishment.
4. Some teenagers complain of a loss of sense of reality, disconnection from other people, and a sense of emptiness, and they self-harm to stop the feeling of emptiness.
5. Organizing interpersonal relationships.
Seeking safety and attracting attention
Adapting to friends
Understanding which emotional needs of the self-harming behavior is good for the youth and developing strategies that can replace this behavior together with the youth are the basic elements of treatment. If there are mental problems (depression, eating disorders, substance use disorder, conduct disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders) accompanying this behavior, they must be treated. Involving the family in the treatment process and solving communication problems between the family and the young person are an important part of the treatment.
