Feb 27 2009
Eating Disorders: Self-Injury
A common thread among people with eating disorders is difficulty with identification, expression, and management of emotions. Not only do they use their eating disorders as an ineffective coping mechanism, they often also often engage in self-injury.
What is Self-Injury?
Self-injury, also called “new age anorexia,” is the practice of self-abuse or mutilation. People self-injure as an attempt to alter their moods by inflicting physical harm sometimes serious enough to cause tissue damage to their bodies.
Most people who self-injure tend to be perfectionists and dislike, sometimes hate, themselves and their bodies. They often use self-injury as a way to punish themselves.
Some self-injurers report feeling numb and emotionally dead. Visualizing their blood externalizes their pain and makes them feel “alive” inside.
Types of Self-Injury:
- Cutting
- Carving
- Burning
- Branding (with hot objects)
- Bruising
- Breaking bones
- Biting (associated with rage)
- Hitting self with objects
- Picking at skin or scabs (often interferes with the healing process)
- Pulling hair out (trichotillomania)
- Scratching skin (often with fingernails)
- Marking
- Head banging
- Self punching
The most common self-injury practice is “cutting,” on one’s wrists, upper arms, chest, and inner thighs where it is less likely to be seen. Implements of destruction most often used are knife tips, razor blades, broken glass, and writing utensils.
Self-injury can be a cry for help, and though it can result in death, it is usually not a suicide attempt. Conversely, it is often used as a maladaptive means to release unbearable feelings and make life tolerable. When people who self-harm do attempt suicide, the method they choose is most often different than their self-injury behaviors.
Help for Self-Injury
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if indicated for wounds. If necessary, call 911.
Like eating disorders, self-injury can be addictive. Qualified and competent professional assessment and treatment is almost always needed.
Online Resources:
SelfInjuryHelp.com
American Self-Harm Clearing House
Recovery Rocks!
Roxie
You are invited to sign the Recovery Wall
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