Understanding Self-Harm in Older Adults:
Seeking Support and Healing

Most people believe that self-harm is only something teens or young adults struggle with. Though, self-harm amongst older adults occurs more often than most realize. Due to the stigma and shame surrounding self-harm many seniors opt to struggle in silence.

As the years roll by it is inevitable that underlying health concerns may arise, coupling this with self-harm can result in further health complications. Intervening early on can make a world of difference and has been shown to facilitate a more positive prognosis. To develop healthier ways to cope and gain a better understanding of what may be contributing to these behaviors, seeking counseling may be a necessary option.

Self-harm is a destructive coping mechanism used to manage intense emotional pain or distress. One of the difficulties individuals face who engage in self-harm is the unspoken addictive nature connected to the behavior. Often social supports focus on the danger and physical impacts such as death, infections, physical scars, etc. Though, not much is fully understood or discussed regarding the biological addictive elements associated with self-harm.

When engaging in self-harm the individual experiences a release of dopamine which triggers the pleasure senses in the brain. The release of dopamine acts as positive reinforcement for these individuals, as the release provides temporary relief. It is important for those who are supporting these individuals to take the time to gain a better understanding of the behaviors as this can lead to serious consequences, especially for older adults.

Here are some specific reasons why older adults may engage in self-harm:

• Seeking to be “seen”: To some this is called attention seeking. Though it is important to be mindful of the terms used when addressing self-harm. Attention seeking implies that the person is harming themselves to gain attention from others. Whereas in reality when individuals begin to engage in self-harm the individual generally has experienced an increase in negative emotions overtime. It is important to be mindful of how we interpret these behaviors. Often individuals experience a feeling of being alone and numb, self-injurious behaviors have been reported to help the individual feel something even if it is pain, just to let them know they are here.
• Trauma and Abuse: It is more common that individuals who engage in self-harm have experienced past traumatic events or experiences, to include physical abuse. Self-harm has been a means of escape and a physical way for individuals to cope with past traumatic experiences, unresolved pain, and emotional distress.
• Social Isolation: As mentioned before, often individuals engaging in self-harm have experienced a feeling of loneliness which can often lead to social isolation. The feeling of loneliness opens the door for older adults to engage in self-harm as a means to cope with their feeling of isolation and emptiness.
• Physical Health Decline: As we age our physical health is prone to decline as well. Experiencing medical decline and developing a sense of hopelessness and despair along the way, can lead some individuals to see self-harm as an option to escape from their present stressors.
• Avoidance of Emotional Pain: Self-harm has often been used as a means of escape for some. The added distraction for present thoughts, feelings and emotions coupled with the temporary relief individuals express experiencing. Self-harm may serve as a temporary distraction from overwhelming emotional pain or distressing thoughts, providing a brief escape from reality.
• Communication of Distress: In some cases, self-harm may be a way for older adults to communicate that they are struggling and in need of support. Though often it is difficult for older adults to express their internal struggles with others as they do not want to be a burden on others.

It is imperative to understand that there does not exist a cookie cutter way to manage and help to treat self-harm. As self-harm is unique to each individual and the motivations or triggers that have resulted in engaging in self-harm vary from person to person. Regardless of the motives or triggers that have caused the individual to engage in self-harm, it is important for the individual to know that there is help available. It is also important for those who are supporters to someone engaging in self-harm, that you support their journey towards seeking help.

Counseling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome the emotions that are contributing to these behaviors and improve your quality of life. Remember, you’re not alone in this, Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC has compassionate therapists who can help you navigate through this difficult time.