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There are many forms of self-harming behaviour
and numerous reasons why self-harm begins. One
of the most common elements associated with
self-harm is ‘compulsion’. Compulsive
behaviour can be seen most clearly in
conditions such as Trichotillomania, where the
sufferer repeatedly pulls hair from the scalp,
eyebrows and/or eyelashes. It is unclear why
this problem arises or why it seems to involve
an almost overwhelming compulsion. The
sufferer may often pull out hairs in a
trance-like state (daydream) and become almost
incapable of acknowledging their actions until
they return to conscious awareness (return
from their dream-like state). This compulsion
can be so strong that some people may resort
to radical solutions such as head shaving - in
order to stop their self-harming behaviour.
The result of chronic hair-pulling can
frequently cause extreme embarrassment and is
often unfairly judged by others. Societal
attitudes may lead sufferers to feel guilty or
ashamed, and even depressed or withdrawn. When
people feel low, they often repeat the
behaviour that caused the original problem,
which may in turn compound their suffering. It
is a strange irony that repetitive and
familiar behaviour is often experienced as a
source of ‘comfort’. Although, this may
explain why infants repeatedly suck their
thumbs or older children bite their nails when
feeling anxious or lonely.
It is possible that extreme compulsive
behaviour may be triggered by traumatic life
events. For example, physical or mental abuse,
family conflict, neglect, separation or loss
may be contributory factors. Negative stress
caused by excessively busy lives may also
result in a need for ‘comforting’ behaviour.
Therefore, compulsive behaviour should not
necessarily be seen as ‘abnormal’ or requiring
a ‘psychiatric diagnosis’, but may simply be a
coping strategy for adverse life
events/circumstances.
Clearly, when coping strategies become
exaggerated by overwhelming emotional
difficulties, they can appear more complex and
problematic to understand. For example, it may
be difficult to view compulsive self-injury,
by cutting or burning, as a means of
‘comfort’. However, when individuals
experience continuous conflict within personal
relationships, or perhaps bullying at work,
extreme reactions may be understandable. By
repeating familiar behaviour - however extreme
- there may be a sense of comfort. Therefore,
whatever the form of self-harm, and however it
begins, it invariably develops into a
compulsive need to repeat a pattern of
behaviour, which appears to offer some relief.
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Andersen Counselling &
Advice, Chelmsford, Essex UK.
Andersen Counselling © 2005-2011.
All rights reserved. Created by CWD |
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