Self-Harm Treatment
Dr. Thompson
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson
April 24, 2024
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Self- Harm Treatment in Nashville
Millions of people throughout the world have intentionally hurt themselves. Yet shame, guilt, and stigma prevent many of these individuals from getting the self-harm treatment that could significantly improve their lives. If someone in your life has been engaging in self-harm – or if you have been struggling with the compulsion to injure yourself – please know that help is available and treatment works.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm refers to the intentional infliction of pain or damage on one’s own body. This behavior is often referred to by several other terms, including self-mutilation, self-injury, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).
Self-harm can take many forms, such as the following:
- Cutting, scratching or burning one’s skin
- Hitting one’s head, arms, or other body parts against walls or other hard objects
- Inserting needles or other objects underneath one’s skin
- Repeatedly punching oneself
- Forcing oneself to exercise excessively
- Pulling out one’s hair
As indicated by the term non-suicidal self-injury, people who harm themselves in the ways listed above are not trying to end their own lives. However, accidental death is a potential effect of self-harm. Also, people who currently engage in self-harming behaviors may have an increased risk of developing suicidal ideation. This underscores the need for effective self-harm treatment.
Why Do People Self Harm?
Self-harm is a maladaptive response to distressing feelings or difficult situations. Sometimes self-harm is related to anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, but this is not always the case.
People who purposefully hurt themselves may be doing so for reasons such as the following:
- They want to exert control over at least one part of their life.
- They are punishing themselves for a perceived failure, flaw, or shortcoming.
- They have become emotionally numb, and they are forcing themselves to feel something.
- They are trying to process or distract themselves from emotional pain.
- They feel the compulsion to do so, but they don’t know why.
Identifying the reason or reasons why a person engages in this behavior is an important part of self-harm treatment. Once a person understands the circumstances that can trigger the urge to self-harm, they can adopt healthier ways of responding.
What is Self-Harm Treatment Like?
The specific elements of someone’s personalized self-harm treatment plan can be influenced by several factors, such as their age, how long they have been self-harming, if they are also struggling with addiction or a mental health disorder, and what type of program they are participating in.
Arbor Wellness offers self-harm treatment at three levels:
Some people receive self-harm treatment at only one of these levels, while others take part in two or all three. There is no single “right” way to treat self-harm. At Arbor Wellness, we determine the best path for each person by assessing their needs and reviewing their short- and long-term goals.
Signs and Symptoms of Self-Harm Behavior
People who engage in self-harm often go to great lengths to hide evidence of their behavior. However, if someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, you may notice signs and symptoms such as the following:
- Frequent injuries
- Cuts and bruises that never seem to heal
- Always wearing long sleeves and long pants, even in warm weather
- Preferring baggy, loose-fitting, or shapeless clothes
- Refusing to change clothes in front of others
- Low self-esteem and poor self-image
- Being extremely self-critical
- Pulling away from family and friends
- Spending significant amounts of time alone
- Rarely being without a knife, razor blade, lighter, or other potentially dangerous items
- Ending their participation in hobbies, sports, or other activities that used to be important to them
- Dramatic mood swings
- Acting with uncharacteristic recklessness or impulsivity
Someone who demonstrates the signs and symptoms above may be in crisis, and they should be assessed by a doctor or another healthcare expert. If they need self-harm treatment, the professional who conducts their assessment may be able to recommend an appropriate provider.
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.
Effects of Self-Harm
Untreated self-harm can be a source of ongoing distress. Its impact may include damage to a person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Here are a few of the many possible negative effects of self-harm:
- Infections
- Improperly healed broken bones
- Other physical health problems due to a refusal to seek medical assistance
- Cognitive problems due to repeated head trauma
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Development or worsening of mental health disorders
- Substandard performance in school or at work
- Academic setbacks
- Unemployment
- Conflicts with family members, friends, and peers
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of vital interpersonal support
- Overwhelming sense of hopelessness or helplessness
- Accidental death
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
The potential for life-threatening consequences is one of the many reasons why people who have been intentionally injuring themselves need to get professional self-harm treatment as soon as possible.
How is Self-Harm Treated in Nashville, TN?
Depending on a person’s needs and the level of care they are currently enrolled in, their self-harm treatment may include services such as the following:
- Psychiatry
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Genetic testing
- Neurofeedback
- Biosound therapy
- Alpha-stim
- Spravato treatment
- Red light therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Yoga
- Nutrition education
Before a person completes self-harm treatment at Arbor Wellness, we also provide them with a detailed discharge plan. This plan identifies the resources that can support them after they transition out of our care. We want to be sure that all our patients are prepared to maintain and build upon the progress they make at our center.
Benefits of Self-Harm Treatment
The following are examples of the benefits of taking part in self-harm treatment at Arbor Wellness:
- Safe environment – Nothing is more important to us than the well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors.
- Compassionate team – While you are with us, you will work with a team of skilled professionals who truly care about you and who will empower you to play an active role in all aspects of your treatment.
- Quality care – Your treatment at Arbor Wellness will include a customized array of evidence-based therapies and research-supported services.
- Meaningful connections – Self-harm can cause people to become isolated from family and friends. At Arbor Wellness, you can learn how to establish healthy relationships and rebuild your personal support network.
- Long-term progress – Your time with us is just one step on your path toward improved health. The care you receive here and the lessons you learn are designed to yield benefits that can truly last a lifetime.
We Work With Most Major Insurance
Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options right now.
Begin Self-Harm Treatment in Nashville, TN
Arbor Wellness is a premier provider of self-harm treatment for adults in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. If you have been struggling with the compulsion to hurt yourself, please know that you are not alone. When you get the care you need, you can start living the healthier life you deserve. Give us a call or visit our admissions page today to learn how we can help.