Individuals of ANY age can engage in self-harming behaviors. Stereotypically, one may assume that this is a behavior that only teenagers engage in, however, you may be surprised to know that self-harm is also prevalent among adults and older adults. While it is difficult to get exact statistics as self-harm carries its own weight of shame and secrecy, we do know that self-injury can occur in any age group. Those who engage in self-harm often avoid seeking help, and this can lead them to keep their concerns in the dark while struggling in silence.

Compared to younger individuals, self-harm can be more dangerous in older adults. While many of those who inflict harm on themselves do not really intend to end their lives, the risk of this unintentionally happening can be higher in seniors. They can cause themselves greater harm because they can create more life-threatening wounds. Individual counseling may be beneficial to improve the quality of life for seniors who have increased likelihood of inflicting self-harm.

Understanding Self-Harm in Seniors

Self-harm is known to be an intentional act to harm oneself. For many people, self-injury is an effort to achieve an emotional balance when they have a difficult time with their emotions. There are many different forms of self-harm. Despite varying ways to self-injury, generally the injuries are inflicted on areas of the body that can easily be hidden with clothing and accessories.

When it comes to treatment of self-harm, it can be more difficult to treat in seniors. One of the main reasons for this is that with older adults there is an increased probability that the behavior has occurred for an extended period of time. The habit of hurting oneself increases the risk of serious harm to your body. Long-term damage may likewise lead to irreversible damages to the body, which can lead to more worrisome issues like blood loss, shock, infection and even death.

What Leads to Self-Harm?

Self-injury can be a sign that someone is going through a rough or challenging time. It can also mean that they are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD, etc. Intense emotions and increased distress can also lead to self-harm.

Each individual is different and will have different factors that lead to these high risk means of coping. Finding a therapist that can help uncover contributing factors and treat intrusive symptoms can be an important piece of recovery.

Through time, inflicting pain and harm can become a habit. Seniors may create pain in order to falsely mask deeper pain.

Signs That Can Mean More

Love and support is needed by everyone, especially as we age. Talking about self-injury can be difficult and frightening, especially due to the many misconceptions surrounding it. Feeling ashamed, you or an older adult relative would likely hide signs of self-harm. These can include:

• Injuries like cuts, scratches or burn marks that cannot be explained
• Sleeping and eating pattern changes
• Wearing clothes not suitable for the weather, like jackets in summer
• Washing of clothes in a secretive manner
• Staying away from activities that expose body parts, like swimming
• Extreme irritability
• Avoiding others
• Staying in the bedroom or bathroom for unreasonably long periods

The Right Kind of Help

Self-harm in adults is not exactly rare. It is common for older adults to feel overwhelmed and unsure when it comes to their retirement. Aging can be difficult, especially when it is complicated by intrusive symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD etc. As you age you may find doing things you enjoyed before are more difficulty, you may feel disconnected, isolated or lonely. All of these feelings can increase engagement in self-injurious behaviors.

At a time when the society at large is more focused on self-harm affecting younger generations, less attention is being paid to seniors. That said, seniors may find it more difficult to open up or seek help. Family and friends can help, though they cannot replace a qualified professional.

Can Counseling Help with Self-Injury?

Self-harm can be an isolating behavior, it can lead you to feeling guilt and shame which makes it even harder to ask for help. Though it may be difficult to ask for, help is available. You are not alone.

You can turn to an experienced counselor to help you with understanding self-injury as well as ways to overcome it. When you are ready, seek help to stop the vicious cycle of self-injury. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

The professional counselors independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC, are able to help you work through self-injury and find other ways to cope. Call today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• The Signs Your Child May Be Self-Harming
• Finding Alternatives to Self Harm