Should I See a Doctor for My Self-Harm and Emotional Struggles?

If you suddenly feel irritable and hopeless to the point of harming yourself, it is important to seek medical attention. You should consider seeing a doctor or a mental health professional?

Since I became aware of myself, I started to hit myself around the time I was in middle school.
At that time, I would suddenly feel very sad, so I would hit my head against the edge of a window; the harder I hit, the more relief I felt.
Later, in high school, I suddenly stopped this behavior, but I began to experience sudden mood drops and didn't want to interact with anyone, which drove away many friends.
During college and graduate school, I learned how to make friends, but I started hitting myself again, using my fists to hit my head until I felt dizzy.
Now that I am in the workforce, I often feel sudden anger or sadness.
When I am alone, I will frantically slap myself while crying.
I am unsure if I need to see a doctor, but I feel like it’s not that serious since I haven’t harmed anyone else and have never left any marks on myself.
However, the sudden emotional outbursts are becoming more frequent, and the relief I feel after hitting myself is somewhat addictive.
Sometimes, I even break down and hit myself in the elevator on my way to work, but once I’m outside, I quickly compose myself, and everyone thinks I have no issues.
Yet, I increasingly feel numb to happiness or sadness; it seems that only the emotions during my breakdowns feel real.

Xing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/16

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, it seems that your situation occurs when you are alone and feeling irritable.
The function of this behavior appears to be a way to redirect your inner agitation; however, it is not a healthy method.
Being alone is a time to be with yourself, and it is important to learn to enjoy your own company in order to find peace during solitude.
One potentially effective approach is to start by liking and affirming yourself.
Additionally, establishing other effective stress-relief methods, such as exercising, walking, reading, or engaging in creative activities, can be beneficial.
Furthermore, when feelings of irritation arise, give yourself some time to calm down and reflect on what triggered your agitation.
If the situation worsens, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2021/01/16

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant emotional distress and self-harm behaviors that are concerning and warrant professional help. Self-harm, even if it does not leave visible scars, is a serious issue that often indicates underlying emotional pain or mental health struggles. The fact that you have been engaging in self-harm since middle school and that your emotional outbursts are becoming more frequent suggests that your coping mechanisms are not effective and that you may benefit from professional support.

Self-harm can serve as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, providing a temporary release or distraction from emotional pain. However, it is not a healthy or sustainable way to manage feelings of anger, sadness, or frustration. The cycle of self-harm often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and further emotional distress, which can perpetuate the behavior. It’s important to recognize that while you may feel that your situation is not severe enough to seek help, the frequency and intensity of your emotional struggles indicate that you could benefit from talking to a mental health professional.

Seeing a doctor, particularly a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and behaviors. They can help you understand the root causes of your emotional struggles and develop healthier coping strategies. Therapy can also help you process your emotions in a constructive way, rather than resorting to self-harm. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is an effective treatment for individuals who engage in self-harm, as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Additionally, if you are experiencing feelings of emptiness or a lack of joy in life, it may be indicative of depression or another mood disorder. These conditions can often co-occur with self-harm behaviors. A mental health professional can conduct a thorough assessment to determine if you are experiencing a mental health disorder and can recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

It’s also important to consider the impact of your emotional struggles on your relationships and daily life. You mentioned that you have pushed friends away during periods of low mood, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Building a support network is crucial for recovery, and a therapist can help you navigate these relationships and improve your social interactions.

In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to seek help from a mental health professional. Your experiences are valid, and you deserve support in managing your emotions and behaviors. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s never too late to seek assistance, and taking that first step can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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