Depression, anxiety, or even PTSD can lead to self harm, a behaviour pattern that includes things like cutting oneself, an action that could lead to a feeling of control.
Trigger alert: This post contains certain images & descriptions of behaviour that could be disturbing for some readers.
“Hey, Julia, why do you always wear a full sleeves dress?”
“Uh..? Umm nothing, it’s just that I usually feel cold.”
This conversation sounds like a simple one, isn’t it? But it isn’t. This kind of behavior can be a sign that the person is hiding self-inflicting injuries.
Self-harm can be described in various ways. It need not be a want to die but rather deliberate self-injury and non-suicidal injury. This kind of behavior is a clear indication of the person engaging in it is having difficulty in coping with painful feelings.
It isn’t a rocket science to find out whether someone is engaging in it or not. There are some simple signs that you can look for to find out. One of the major signs of this is cut marks on the inner side of the arm. Though there can be many other minute signs that can be seen, like injured fist area caused due to punching or hitting walls / other objects, burnt signs on skin etc. If you see any of these, do not take that lightly. Ask them – ask them to seek help.
Usually, the person engaging in self-harm feels it difficult to express their feelings/emotions – that is the reason to indulge in it. So, they might often try to hide their repercussions of this kind of behavior (wearing a long-sleeved dress, hiding / covering the body scars).
They do their best trying not to come under attention in fear of getting exposed.
Self-harm is generally not similar to a suicide attempt. But, self-harm might sometimes lead to dangerous results; because they are more prone to have suicidal thoughts, increasing their risk to indulge in suicide.
Self- harm can be very much related to anxiety, depression, and trauma to name a few. This has no age criteria and can be seen in people of any age – right from a kid, teenager to an old aged adult.
If ever you come across someone of such behavior or if you doubt whether your loved one is injuring themselves or not, look for these signs. The moment you see it, do not ignore it. Take the right steps. Call the suicide helplines, consult a mental health professional like psychologists or psychiatrist, right today.
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, here are some of the helplines available in India. Please call.
Aasra, Mumbai: 022-27546669
Sneha, Chennai: 044-2464 0050
Lifeline, Kolkata: 033-2474 4704
Sahai, Bangalore: 080–25497777
Roshni, Hyderabad: 040-66202000, 040-66202001
A version of this was published here earlier.
Images source: shutterstock
Pursuing Diploma in Community Mental Health, NIMHANS Former Forensic Psychologist Intern. Former content writer. Double Masters in Computer Applications & in Psychology. B.A in Hindustani Classical Music. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, indivisual posts do not necessarily represent the platofrom's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
When Dylan came home, I was happy I had a little brother. But soon, strange incidents began happening. No one could explain the hideous things he did or why he did them!
“Nobody loves me!” he cried, as he was forced to sit in the car. Dylan was red with rage and tears covered his face.
“That is not true. We love you a lot. You will be away just for a short while and then we’ll get you back home”. Mother didn’t believe her own words. For the first time she wasn’t sad that he was leaving.
“Bahu, you are this family’s Mahalakshmi. If you wake up late, how will it bode auspicious for this house and hearth? Go, take a bath first, and help me in the kitchen."
“Bahu, you are this family’s Mahalakshmi. If you wake up late, how will it bode auspicious for this house and hearth? Go, take a bath first, and help me in the kitchen.”
“Ma, I’m visiting my in-laws for the first time after marriage. I’m looking forward to this!” Aditi exclaimed.
How to deal with gaslighting, if you are in any emotionally abusive close relationship, not just a romantic one. How do you help yourself as a survivor?
Gaslighting is now a psychological term used to define a particular kind of abuse that emerged from an expression in the 1938 Patrick Hamilton play called ‘Gaslight’. The play is a narrative about how a husband systematically attempts to drive his wife mad by dimming the gas powered lights in their home and then denying completely that the lights change when she asks him about it; making her question her own sanity, and eventually making her a victim of emotional abuse.
Hidden symptoms of depression can often make it difficult to diagnose, putting your loved one at risk. Here are 7 such symptoms that you must look out for.
Depression can strike even the most resilient of us and can have devastating effects if left unattended. You may already be aware of the some of the well-known symptoms of depression, such as: