Can emotional support and mindfulness help manage self-harm?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have this weird thing. When I see something that gives me a disgusting feeling, I start to spit saliva for a long time. But the worst thing is that I end up hitting myself, and I cannot help it. The places I tend to hit during these moments are behind my neck, my cheeks, and my head. Sometimes, the hits are not that hard, but other times they are quite strong. I want to stop this, but sometimes my hand moves too quickly before I can even think about it. What should I do? I am afraid that if I keep hitting myself like this, I will be in trouble. I know it is a problem; please help me stop this.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist who can help you understand the underlying causes of these behaviors and provide guidance on how to manage them. Confide in someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, and let them know what you are going through. They can offer emotional support. In addition to these, you can learn strategies to help you manage these impulses, such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, or mindfulness. Also, try to identify what triggers these reactions. Understanding the situations or emotions that lead to self-harm can be a crucial step in managing it. In some cases, therapy or medication may be recommended by a mental health professional to help address the underlying issues.

Remember, you do not have to face this alone, and there are people who want to help you. Please reach out to a mental health expert or a support hotline if you are in immediate distress. Your well-being is important.

Thank you.