What can cause a Self-Harm Relapse?

A self-harm relapse can occur due to a variety of interacting factors. There is an interplay of psychological and environmental factors. The relapse can be a sign of a decline in one’s mental health or result from exposure to a trigger. Some possible triggers are listed below:

1. Trauma: When a traumatic event occurs, especially if the person has unresolved trauma, it can cause a relapse in self-injuring. When a trauma occurs it can be stressful for a person and their mental health. This can cause that person to turn to self-harm as a detrimental coping strategy.  A therapist near you can help with developing alternative coping strategies and dealing with past and current trauma.
2. Feeling Isolated: When a person feels isolated from others, it can cause them to relapse into self-harm. The feeling of being closed off from others or alone can lead to people using self-injury to cope with their feelings. Having a strong support system can decrease feelings of isolation and allow for the expression of feelings. 
3. Life Changes: If a person has self-harmed in the past, large life changes may lead to a relapse in those behaviors. The person may feel a sense of familiarity in the act of self-injury during times of change. A therapist near you could help you cope with feelings of change with a healthier outlet for your emotions. 
4. Psychological Factors: Self-Harm relapse can also be triggered by psychological factors such as chemical imbalances or other mental health disorders. For example, depression may lead to a relapse in self-injury. 
5. Stress: Feelings of stress can have a negative impact on mental health and cause a recurrence of self-harming behaviors.
6. Relationship Issues: Experiencing conflict or a downturn in a relationship can contribute to a relapse in self-harm.

How can you identify a self-harm relapse?

Self-harm relapse can be difficult to identify since people often try to conceal their emotions. But, there are a few widespread symptoms that are associated with self-harm relapses:

• Reappearing scars or fresh wounds - If a person with a history of self-harm has new or fresh scars or wounds, it may indicate a relapse.
• Increased isolation or withdrawal - When dealing with intense emotions, a person may withdraw or isolate themselves from friends and family. This may be a sign of a recurrence of self-harm.
• Changes in mood or behavior - Individuals experiencing a relapse may become more irritable, and anxious, or can show signs of depression. They may also start engaging in other self-destructive behaviors, like substance abuse.
• Neglecting self-care -A person may be dealing with a self-harm relapse if they stop taking care of themselves. They might ignore personal hygiene, skip meals, or not get enough sleep.
• Preoccupation with self-harm - A person might start talking or thinking about harming themselves.

How can a Self-Care Routine Help Prevent a Relapse?

Self-Care routines are intentional and repetitive activities that a person undertakes to promote emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. These routines may differ for everyone based on individual needs and preferences. For some people self-care may be going for a swim or a run while for others it may be watching a tv show and doing a face mask. Self-care routines should be suited to what will help you best in those moments.Some self-care strategies and tips are listed below:

• Develop healthy coping skills - Find healthy coping strategies that are effective for you by working with a mental health specialist or a therapist near you. Some examples are journaling, meditation, taking a short walk, or exercising.
• Practice self-care - Taking care of yourself is the prime factor in managing self-harm relapses. Self care could be resting, eating healthy food, and doing the things that make you happy and relaxed. These practices can reduce the desire to self-harm in response to triggers. 
• Build a support network - It is helpful to have a support network of friends, family, or mental health specialists. When you're struggling, ask for assistance and support from those you can trust.
• Identify triggers - You can prevent self-harming behaviors by being aware of what causes them. Keep track of your feelings and look for patterns that might tempt you to hurt yourself.
• Develop a safety plan - A safety plan can be helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed and in danger of self-harm. This may involve techniques for recapturing your attention, contacting someone from your close circle, or getting professional help. 

What are some other treatments to prevent self-harm relapses?

Self-harm is a complicated problem that may require expert assistance. Therapy, counseling, clinical psychology, or psychiatry can be effective ways to prevent self-harm relapses. 

1. Therapy and counseling: A skilled therapist can help you identify the exact trigger points and help you overcome them. With the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or DBT or Mindfulness-based approach, a therapist near you can identify thought patterns and work on changing your responses to them. 
2. Clinical psychology: is an area of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Clinical psychologists work with you to create a treatment plan which may include medication and therapy. To ensure you're getting the best care possible, they might also work with other medical specialists, such as psychiatrists or family doctors.
3. Psychiatry: focuses on identifying and treating mental health conditions with medication and other therapeutic methods. Your symptoms can be assessed by a psychiatrist, who can then create a treatment plan for you that may involve drugs to treat anxiety or mood disorders. They also use therapy or counseling to deal with underlying emotional problems.

How can a Therapist Help Prevent Self-Harming Relapses?

Therapists provide supportive and non-judgmental care for patients who tend to self-harm. The person can address the feelings and triggers that lead to their self-harming behaviors in a private, safe setting.

• Examination: A therapist will first conduct an examination to determine the severity of the self-harm habits and any underlying mental health disorders. A therapist can help the individual identify their triggers and responses that connect to their self-harming behaviors. 

• Personalized Treatment Plan: Once the therapist gets an understanding of the root causes of self harming behaviors, they can develop personalized treatment plans. Combining therapy methods, like CBT or dialectical behavioral therapy, helps individuals develop coping skills to manage their symptoms effectively. 

• Creating a Safety Plan: Making a safety plan an important part of self-harm therapy. The patient and the therapist will work together to create a plan outlining what to do in the case of overwhelming feelings or the urge to harm oneself. This could involve self-soothing methods, distraction techniques, talking to a support person, or, if necessary, getting emergency assistance.

  It's critical to remember that healing from self-harm relapses is a process that requires time. A therapist near you can work with you on your mental health and with identifying and addressing any triggers for self-harm. If you or a loved one are experiencing self-harm relapse it is important to seek professional treatment. Lifebulb can help you find a therapist near you today to start your journey towards healing. 

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