Self destructive behaviors are those that a person performs with the intention of causing physical harm to himself . This type of manifestation can pose significant risks to your health, as there is a possibility that the person could even put your life at risk. However, it is necessary to differentiate between the different types of self destructive behavior in order to distinguish those that produce injuries that affect the organism from those that can result in very unfavorable consequences.

According to the DSM-V ^[1] , this class of behaviors can be classified within the suicidal behavior disorder due to its characteristics. However, in order to determine an adequate diagnosis of this pathology, a series of specific criteria must be met :

• Suicide attempts during the past 24 months.
• The act is not linked to the alleviation of discomfort through self-mutilation.
• There is no presence of a state of delirium or confusion.
• The change in behavior is not related to the ingestion of drugs and/or toxic substances.
• Manifestations are not a product of the presence of another mental disorder.

In order to be able to determine with greater precision the origin of self-destructive behaviours, it is important to know the most frequent causes that arise. We show you below:

genetic factors

Firstly, genetic inheritance plays an important role in the emergence of harmful situations for the person. On the one hand, there are certain neural connections that process information from the outside associated with particular emotions.

In this sense, people who present self destructive behaviors have a greater sensitivity to situations that produce discomfort, anguish , among others. This activates both adrenaline and cortisol, two stress-related hormones. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the parents have any type of neurological alteration from any medical study.

environmental factors

Traumatic experiences have a triggering effect on self destructive behaviors. In general terms, the high levels of frustration, malaise, anguish and anger that are present indicate the need to put a limit on these emotions.

In turn, the affective bonds created during childhood can also determine the degree of self destructive behavior.

Among the consequences of self destructive behavior, it is necessary to focus on each one of them in order to be able to detect them in time and strategize accordingly. Here we will explain the types of self destructive behaviors:

• Cuts : wounds that can be made with the use of knives, scissors, among others. Generally speaking, they produce superficial wounds on the skin and body organs.
• Blows on oneself : its meaning is linked to the fact that it causes deep damage to any part of the human from the use of the hand or another object that the person uses to hurt himself.
• Burns : are caused by the insertion of hot elements with fire. When this happens, the wounds are more important than the previous ones.
• Perforations : finally, this type of behavior generates more serious injuries due to the fact that the skin is injured by sharp elements.

Finally, it is essential to know strategies to reduce the impact of this type of manifestations on people who suffer from them. Below, we explain how to prevent self-destruct attempts:

• Carry out primary prevention programs : Adolescents are people who are going through a process of physical and mental changes. If there are situations of vulnerability, it is necessary to provide information about the symptoms that people with self destructive behaviors present, in addition to explaining who can turn to in emergency cases.
• Emotional containment : when a teenager is at risk, the help of those closest to him is essential. Therefore, in these cases, empathy and trust will be key.
• Perform psychological therapy : one of the causes of this type of behavior lies in feelings of anger, anguish and discomfort that cannot be channeled. In order to avoid severe consequences, looking for a mental health professional allows the person to acquire tools to overcome complex moments.
• End dangerous elements : due to self destructive behaviors occurring with elements that endanger life, a necessary intervention is to remove the sources of risk.
• Encouraging leisure activities : performing physical, artistic activity or any other interest allows the person to reduce stress levels. In turn, social encounters in which a warm atmosphere is generated represent a healthy moment.