Deliberate Self-Harm: A Silent Cry for Help
Introduction Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a complex and often misunderstood behavior, where an individual intentionally inflicts physical harm on themselves. This can include cutting, burning, hitting, or other forms of self-injury. It is often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. It is not typically associated with suicidal intent. However DSH is a often indicator of emotional distress and away to cope with overwhelming emotions. It can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences. DHS is quite common but it is often difficult to address. The aim of this blog post is to shed light on this condition. What is Deliberate Self-Harm? Deliberate self-harm refers to any intentional act of causing physical injury to oneself without the intention to commit suicide. Common methods of deliberate self-harm include cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting oneself. These behaviors are often used as a coping mechanism by those struggling to manage intense emotional pain or distress, anxiety, depression or trauma. DHS provides a temporary sense of relief or control, which often distracts someone from emotional pain or creats a physical expression of inner turmoil. The emotional relief is short-lived and often lead to a vicious cycle of shame, guilt, and further self-harm. Understanding the Causes Self-harm can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, including: 1. Emotional Regulation: Many individuals who self-harm do so to manage overwhelming emotions, such as anger, sadness, or anxiety. The act of self-harm can provide a temporary sense of relief or control over these emotions. 2. Trauma and Abuse : Past or current experiences of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-loathing. For some, self-harm becomes a way to express these unresolved emotions or to punish themselves. 3. Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety are closely linked with self-harming behaviors. These disorders can amplify negative emotions and thoughts, making self-harm a seemingly viable way to cope. 4. Social and Environmental Factors: Bullying, peer pressure, and difficult relationships can also contribute to the development of self-harm. The lack of a strong support system or exposure to others who self-harm can increase the likelihood of these behaviors. Recognizing the Signs It is not easy to pick the signs of self-harm. The individuals often go to great lengths to hide their behavior. However, there are some common indicators includIng: ∙Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises, often on the arms, legs, or torso. ∙Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather to cover injuries. ∙Frequent “accidents” or excuses for injuries. ∙Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. ∙Signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. ∙Possessing tools or objects that could be used for self-injury. Who is at Risk? Anyone can engage in self-harming behaviors, but it is more commonly observed among adolescents and young adults. The behaviors typically starting between the ages of 12 and 15 years. Studies have shown that 17-18% of adolescents and young adults have engaged in self-harm at least once in their lifetime. Those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or bullying are at an increased risk. Additionally, individuals with mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder, depression, or anxiety are more likely to self-harm. It’s crucial to note that self-harm is not limited to any specific demographic and can affect people of all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, it seems more prevalent in high income countries probably due to better reporting. There is now an increasing trend of DHS in low-income countries, especially in urban areas. The Impact of Deliberate Self-Harm The physical consequences of self-harm can range from minor injuries to life-threatening wounds. Repeated self-injury can lead to permanent scarring, infections, and other medical complications like damage to mayor blood vessels and nerves. Beyond the physical, the
CELEBRATE NON-SCALE VICTORIES
Celebrating Non-Scale Victories in Your Fitness Journey In the world of fitness and health, it’s easy to become fixated on the number displayed on the scale. While it’s one measure of progress, it’s not the only one, nor is it always the best indicator of overall health. This is where the concept of “non-scale victories”
Hematuria
Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. It is important to understand that it’s a symptom, not a disease itself. Hematuria can result from various underlying conditions, ranging from benign to serious. This blog post will delve into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hematuria. What is Hematuria? Hematuria is classified into two types: 1. Gross Hematuria: This is when blood is visible to the naked eye, making the urine appear pink, red, or cola-colored. 2. Microscopic Hematuria: This type is not visible to the naked eye and is typically detected through a urine test. Causes of Hematuria Hematuria can be caused by a variety of factors, including: 1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in the bladder or kidneys can cause hematuria. Symptoms often include frequent urination, pain, and a burning sensation during urination. 2. Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salt that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain and hematuria as they pass through the urinary tract. 3. Enlarged Prostate: In men, an enlarged prostate can compress the urethra and cause urinary issues, including hematuria. 4. Kidney Disease: Various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, can cause inflammation and lead to blood in the urine. 5. Cancer: Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer can cause hematuria, especially in older adults. 6. Inherited Disorders: Conditions like polycystic kidney disease or sickle cell anemia can also result in blood in the urine. 7. Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can lead to hematuria. 8. Menses in women: Blood from menses gets mixed up with urine in women during menstruation. 9. Strenuous exercise: Strenuous and prolonged exercises such as long distance running can cause haematuria. It may be linked to trauma to the bladder, dehydration or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs with sustained aerobic exercise. Symptoms to Watch For While blood in the urine is the primary symptom of hematuria, other symptoms may accompany it depending on the underlying cause: – Painful urination – Frequent urination -Abdominal or back pain -Fever (if an infection is present) – Nausea or vomiting Diagnosing Hematuria To diagnose the cause of hematuria, your healthcare provider may recommend: 1. Urinalysis: This basic urine test checks for the presence of blood and other abnormalities. 2. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize the kidneys, bladder, and other urinary tract structures. 3. Cystoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small camera into the bladder through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra more closely. 4. Blood Tests: These can help identify kidney function issues or other systemic problems. Treatment Options Treatment for hematuria depends on the underlying cause:
