Self-Destructive Behavior- Causes, Risk Factors, And Treatment

Self-destructive behavior is any kind of behavior that is meant to be harmful to the person who is engaged in such actions. Self-destructive behavior has been shown by many people throughout the years. It is a continuum with suicide, rated as the end of the scale. The actions of the people with self-destructive behavior are born out of deliberation and impulsiveness that they have developed over time. It is often associated with mental illnesses like schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder

How Can We Say If A Person Has Self-Destructive Behavior?

We can say that a person has self-destructive behavior when he or she does something that can harm them both emotionally and physically.

Some of the actions categorized under self-destructive behavior are as follows.

• Overuse of alcohol and drugs
• compulsive activities like gambling, gaming, or shopping
• tendency towards suicide
• binge eating
• impulsive and risky sexual behavior
• self-injury, such as cutting their bodies, hair pulling, burning, hitting oneself

There are also other types of self-sabotaging actions in people with self-destructive behavior. Some of them are as follows

• Being self-derogatory, complaining of their physical appearance, smartness, and personality.
• Changing themselves to please others or people they love
• Clinging in a relationship with someone not interested in them
• Showing alienation or aggressive behavior that pushes people away from them
• abnormal behaviors, such as chronic avoidance, procrastination, and passive-aggressiveness
• being childish and exhibiting self-pity

What are the causes of Self-Destructive Behavior?

The common causes for self-destructive behavior are as follows:

• Childhood Trauma Via Sexual Or Physical Abuse
• Disrupted Parental Care
• Neglect Or Abandonment
• Alcohol Or Drug Use At A Very Young Age
• Emotional Or Physical Abuse
• Peer Group With Similar Behavior
• Guilt Or Low Self-Esteem
• Social Isolation, Exclusion

If a person has self-destructive behavior, it may give rise to developing another psychological disorder. Research says that self-harm is common in both people who had a mental health problem and for the ones who do not have mental health problems. It is said that self-destructive behavior can occur at any age, although the highest incidence is seen in teens and adults who indulge in physical self-injury.

It is also said that self-destructive behavior can stem from an already existing mental health condition such as

• Depression: A condition characterized by overwhelming sadness, loss of interest in themselves. It is commonly associated with a variety of symptoms as well.
• Anxiety: Where a person experiences fear, worry, or distress
• Eating Disorders:When a person suffers from eating disorders like binge eating, anorexia, or bulimia.
• Personality Disorders: when he or she is suffering from a personality disorder, they may show self-destructive behavior
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: This is a condition that a person develops after a traumatic incident. Studies reveal that high incidences of self-destructive traits are seen in people with PTSD and impulsive behavior, particularly in veterans who have undergone trauma.

How Can Self–Destructive Behavior Be Treated?

Therapy is the first choice of treatment for self-destructive behavior. Therapy can be tailored to one’s specific needs. Your therapist looks into the frequency and severity of symptoms before starting your therapy sessions. You may have your therapy sessions as follows.

• Talk therapy. When you choose talk therapy, your therapist can help you understand the origin of your self-destructive behaviors. So, you will be able to learn how to manage stress in a better way and cope up with the challenges in a healthier way. Your therapy sessions can be one-on-one or with family involvement, or in a group setting with your therapist.
• Behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can be conducted for short or long term. Your therapist assists you in becoming more aware of triggers and how to respond in a less disruptive way.

When you choose therapy, it helps you address other associated mental health conditions such as addiction, anger management, stress disorder, and more. A good therapy can help you break the cycle of suffering and loss. With the help of best strategies and tools, you can regain control over self- destructive behavior. It might seem impossible for a person suffering from a self-destructive disorder to get over in near future, but yes, it’s treatable.

If you’re struggling with the extreme pain of self-destructive disorder, let us help you. Psychotherapy Partners in Minneapolis can provide both in-person therapy as well as online therapy. Call us today at 612-886-6112 to talk about what you need in your treatment plan and determine if we’re a good fit for you. Get connected with the best therapists in Minneapolis.