Self-mutilation, also known as self-harm or self-injury, is the act of intentionally harming one’s own body through cutting, burning, hair-pulling or a wide range of behaviors that inflict damage. Self-mutilation is common among people suffering from eating disorders. According to recent statistics, about 25 percent of people with eating disorders also engage in some form of self-mutilation, self-injury or self-harm.
For many, self-mutilation is a way to respond to or alleviate intense emotional feelings, often the result of some kind of trauma or stress. Those who self-mutilate externalize injuries in order to express what they’re feeling on the inside.
In order to recover from self-mutilation, it’s important to find a healthy way to counter strong feelings such as journal writing, talking with family or friends or meditating.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and self-mutilation, A Place of Hope can help. Our eating disorder treatment program focuses on the whole person to foster recovery from the inside-out. To find out more about our recovery programs, please contact us today.
The number of pre-adolescent children suffering from anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating is on the rise. According to recent statistics provided by the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, hospitalizations for eating disorders for children under the age of 12 increased 112 percent between 1999 and 2006. Doctors have reported eating disorders in children as young as 5 or 6.
Eating disorder experts cite several reasons for the increase in eating disorders among younger children. Many blame the media for putting forth messages that equate body image with self worth. Others blame a lack of education on proper nutrition and exercise to maintain a healthy body. Childhood eating disorders can also be linked to stress and traumatic events that lead children wanting more control in their lives.
As eating disorders can be socially isolating, one of the most effective paths to recovery is rebuilding relationships with family and friends. Building a support system and keeping the communication lines open can help eating disorder sufferers gain self-acceptance.
At a Place of Hope, we offer treatment for children suffering from eating disorders. Our treatment program focuses on the whole body, including the physical, mental and spiritual for lasting recovery. If you think your child may be suffering from an eating disorder, contact us to find out more information on our treatment programs.
Self-mutilation, also known as self-harm or self-injury, is the act of intentionally harming one’s own body through cutting, burning, hair-pulling or a wide range of behaviors that inflict damage. Self-mutilation is common among people suffering from eating disorders. According to recent statistics, about 25 percent of people with eating disorders also engage in some form of self-mutilation, self-injury or self-harm.