The cycle of self-harm
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Cycle of self-harm - Introduction
Self-harm can bring a momentary sense of calm to negative feelings and emotions. However, this is often temporary and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. This in turn can stimulate the original emotions which can lead to further self-harm. This is commonly known as the self-harm cycle.
Cycle adapted from the Sutton, J. (2007). Healing the Hurt Within: Understand Self-injury and Self-harm, and Heal the Emotional Wounds. 3Rev Ed edition. Oxford: How To Books p.187.
The CYP are dogged by negative thoughts causing internal turmoil.
The CYP experiences powerful feelings of emotional distress. The CYP feels frightened, desperate, or dissociated (‘numb’).
CYP feels out of control, or ‘too numb’ and experiences a compelling urge to self-injure.
The CYP feels calm, in control, and is able to think more clearly. The self-harm appears to reduce the individual's level of emotional and physiological arousal. This is where a CYP would typically present to the emergency department. Remember that although the CYP may behave ‘normally’ as a result of where they are in the self-harm cycle, their condition is serious.
The CYP self-harms which helps elevate the sense of panic and negative feelings.
The reality of the CYP’s actions starts to sink in, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, self-disgust or even self-hate. This can evoke the original emotions and thoughts and return the CYP to point A in the cycle.
Angela's story"Self-harming used to help me a lot. Whenever I felt down, I would self-harm. Immediately after I had self-harmed, I felt ok, but looking back now I'd obviously feel guilty. The thing is all that stuff at school was still happening so I just continued. I didn't know what else to do?"
Tim's story"I find it hard to cope with how angry I feel most of the time, so I cut myself. First time I did it I was on the internet and saw some guy talking about how it helped him, so I thought I'd try it. I guess it went from there really. I don't even know why I keep doing it? I guess it makes me feel better straight away, then after a bit of time the feelings all just come back and I felt as guilty as hell and the only way I can cope with it all is to do it again."
[Biographical account read by actors]
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