Self-Injury
Self- injury, also known as self-harm, occurs when an individual deliberately harms their own body. People who harm their own body, often do so by cutting or or burning themselves. Self-injury is often related to trauma, and those who harm or hurt themselves are likely to have been abused in childhood. Self-injury is often a coping mechanism used by people to deal with severe emotional pain, anger, or frustration. The act of hurting themselves helps some people forget their feelings and emotional troubles and focus instead on their self-inflicted physical pain. While these people may not be suicidal, they are consciously injuring themselves and may cause permanent damage or accidental suicide.
Forms of Self-injury
One of the most common forms of self-injury is cutting. An individual may use a knife or razor to make cuts or deep scratches on different parts of their body. Other forms of self-injury may include:
- Burning
- Hitting or punching
- Breaking bones
- Piercing the skin
- Pulling out hair
- Banging the head
People who self-injure may use more than one method to inflict harm on themselves.
Signs and Symptoms of Self-injury
Many people who injure themselves try to keep these activities secret and will often not seek treatment. It is important for loved ones to be aware of any signs of self-injury. These signs may include:
- Scars
- Fresh cuts or scratches
- Bruises or broken bones
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather
- Claiming to have frequent accidents
- Behavioral and emotional instability
- Depression
Causes of Self-injury
There is no specific cause for self-injury, however, many people who inflict self-harm may suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, eating disorders and personality disorders. Females are more likely than males to induce self-harm and certain people may have an increased risk for self-injury including those who:
- Were sexually or physically abused as a child
- Suffer from mental health issues
- Have friends who self-injure
- Are teenagers or young adults
- Abuse alcohol or drugs
Risks of Self-injury
In addition to the mental and emotional stress caused by self-injury, and because individuals often do not seek medical attention for their injuries, physical complications may occur and include:
- Infection
- Permanent scarring
- Severe blood loss, if blood vessels or arteries are cut
- Disfigurement
- Severe or fatal injury
- Increased alcohol or drug abuse
Self-injury is often an impulsive behavior and can result in feelings of guilt and shame after the initial feelings of relief. Although self-injury is usually not an attempt of suicide, the risk of suicide may increase as the emotional problems caused by self-injury intensify. The pattern of damaging the body in times of mental distress can sometimes make suicide more likely to occur.
Treatment of Self-injury
Treatment for self-injury can vary based on the individual and any underlying mental disorders that they may have. After a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, a treatment plan will be developed which may include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Psychiatric hospitalization – in severe cases
Different forms of psychotherapy can help the patient identify and manage difficult emotions, improve self-image and deal with traumatic memories and past experiences. Medication can help to treat some of the underlying mental disorders. Support groups can also be beneficial to individuals who are trying to stop the behavior of self-injury.
Additional Resources
Featured Services
Medication
Management
Psychiatric medications are invaluable in achieving recovery from mental illness and safe treatment of symptoms. Our practice offers comprehensive medication management delivered by board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Our clinicians utilize a holistic approach that incorporates in depth knowledge of how pre-existing medical conditions can influence and trigger psychiatric symptoms. The decision to begin medication management is a combined effort between the Provider and the individual patient.
Therapist
Referrals
Our board certified Nurse Practitioners work with a select group of well experienced Licensed Therapists in the Las Vegas area. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, the patient and the Provider will determine if therapy could offer solutions to the current situation. Therapy can include individual, group or family for adults and children. Finding the right Licensed Therapist for your individual needs is very important. The Therapy referrals available at Mighty Mental Health will ensure that every available tool is being utilized to help reach each patient’s goal.
ADHD Testing and
Treatment
Our office offers both in office and online ADHD Testing for both children and adults. Our board certified Nurse Practitioners are trained to administer the tests and discuss the results with the patients and family. Testing is a great tool for Providers to use to help determine the best treatment plan for all patients. Our office uses the state of the art software created by QbCheck to help diagnose and track our ADHD patients.
Request An Appointment
* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.
-
2685 South Rainbow Blvd
Suite 206
Las Vegas, NV 89146
- 702-479-1600
- Fax 702-479-1993
- OFFICE HOURS
- By Appointment Only
- Mon: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Tues: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Wed: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Thurs: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Fri: 8:30am - 6:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am - 3:00pm
- Sun: Closed