Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition. Some mental health conditions may cause people to harm themselves. Self-harm is a severe symptom of mental health disorders that requires compassionate, comprehensive treatment.
During treatment, people learn to reduce or stop self-harming behaviors. They may also learn new coping skills, find support, and develop other strategies to help them regulate emotions and reduce harmful behaviors.
A self-harm relapse occurs when someone struggles with self-harm after a period of time without these behaviors. Experiencing a relapse can feel like a significant setback. However, it is part of many people’s recovery journey.
This article will explore what to do after a self-harm relapse. You will learn:
- Why relapses occur
- What to do after a self-harm relapse
- How to recognize early signs of a relapse
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with self-harm or mental illness, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Agape Behavioral Health to learn about our programs. You may ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an appointment.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm describes someone hurting themself as a way to cope with negative thoughts or emotional distress. People who self-harm may cut themselves with sharp objects, hit solid objects, burn parts of their bodies, or cause damage in other ways.
People who experience harm urges may hurt themselves for many reasons. Some common reasons people feel the urge to self-harm include:
- Wanting to express pain or distress when it is too hard to use words
- Distract themself from painful thoughts or memories
- Feel in control
- Transform emotional pain into physical pain
- Having a reason to care for themselves
- Explore or express thoughts of death or suicide
- Punishing themselves for thoughts or behaviors
People may feel temporarily relieved or more in control after harming themself. However, many report feeling guilty, ashamed, or sad about it as time goes on.
Self-harm is most common among young people, especially adolescents. In most cases, people begin harming themselves between the ages of 12 and 14. Various types of self-harm behaviors continue for years. People who start harming themselves in adolescence may continue to do this until young adulthood or even longer.
Mental health professionals don’t understand exactly why people harm themselves. However, these behaviors are more common among people with mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Dissociative disorders
- Eating disorders
- Gender dysphoria
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep issues
- Autism
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
People who experience childhood abuse and other forms of trauma are more likely to self-harm. Self-harm is a serious condition that can respond well to treatment.
Why Do Relapses Occur?
After getting treatment for self-harm, people may struggle with relapses. A relapse occurs when someone engages in self-harm after a period of abstinence. People may feel ashamed or discouraged after a relapse.
However, relapses are common among people in recovery from self-harming behaviors. They may occur during stressful periods or after a significant event, such as the end of a relationship or a death in the family.
Relapses may be a sign that someone does not have adequate coping skills to manage stress or challenges. People who relapse must find support, including additional treatment, to help them get back on track and move forward.
What to Do After a Self-Harm Relapse
There are several steps you can take to get back on track after a self-harm relapse. These include:
- Getting medical help to encourage healing, if necessary
- Reaching out to supportive friends and family members for support
- Find mental health support (a therapist or counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, or other professional support)
- Practice self-care by eating well, prioritizing sleep, and exercising regularly
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises, to help you reduce stress
It can be helpful to recognize the signs of a relapse. Some common signs of a relapse include:
- Skipping mental health or medical appointments
- Experiencing more stress
- Having a traumatic experience
- Feeling self-harm urges
- Justifying self-harm (thinking things like “I stopped once, and I could stop again” or “I will only do it this one time”)
- Thinking about how you’d harm yourself
- Making a plan to harm yourself
It is essential to seek treatment and support as soon as you recognize the signs of a relapse.
A relapse isn’t the end of the road. It can be a sign that you need more support or treatment. Reach out to a medical or mental health professional right away to get the guidance you need.
Find Support Now
If you are experiencing the urge to harm yourself or someone else, call 911. If you need mental health support or treatment, contact the intake specialists at Agape Behavioral Health. Our treatment and support programs provide effective, compassionate care for people with mental health conditions.
Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Self-Harm
