Understanding and Treating Self Injurious Behaviors

When most people think of self-harming, or self injurious behaviors, many are reminded of a main stereotype, that being teenagers who self-injures by cutting their skin for any of a multitude of reasons. It is also thought that those individuals do what they do as attention-seeking behavior, looking to gain sympathy from others. What most people observing from the outside do not realize however is that the habit of self-injury is a far cry from attention-seeking behavior, and can indicate that a person is suffering terribly, emotionally.

Occurring most frequently in adolescents and teens, as well as in autistic individuals of all ages, people suffering from depression, those with Borderline Personality Disorder and other stressors or anxiety-related  conditions, displays of self injurious behaviors should always be taken seriously. The presence of some type of mental, emotional or medical issue can easily be overlooked if parents automatically assume that their child is displaying the behaviors in search of attention, which is detrimental to diagnosis, and the therapeutic process.

Those who display self injurious behavior are not usually suicidal, or wishing to end their lives as it is also frequently believed, but are instead trying to cope with whatever emotional or mental pain they may be experiencing, in the best way they can. It is understood that through the act of causing injury to one’s self, the created pain draws attention away from other pain. There is a downside to this release however, and many who self-injure become embarrassed of their behaviors or the marks made to their bodies, and can develop lowered self-esteem.

Some of the different behaviors that are exhibited by self-injurers are not only cutting on the arms, legs and other easily hidden parts of the body, but frequently includes burning, bruising, scratching, hair pulling, abuse of drugs or alcohol, and even some forms of bulimia or anorexia. Sufferers with autism or other mental health or behavioral disorders may bang their heads,  or repeatedly hit themselves as a way to diffuse their stress, too.

Today there are a number of treatments available to help correct self injurious behaviors, as well as any underlying issues that may be attributing to them. Beginning therapy does involve obtaining a diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or professional counselor, but once that has been achieved, our caring and compassionate staff are ready to help the healing to begin. Please call our office anytime to discuss scheduling an initial consultation, or obtaining a diagnosis if necessary, and starting on the road to recovery from self-injury, and the stressors that cause it.

Substance Abuse Counselors Michigan – Drug Abuse Increasing

With an estimated 20 million people in the US alone who have recently used an illicit or illegal substance – some of them as young as 12 years old – the tendency toward substance abuse can become a serious health problem in some people’s lives. Even though the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) recently reported that usage rates have been stable over the past ten years or so, what has changed might actually be more serious. Substance abuse counselors Michigan are finding that the biggest change in trends with drug users overall has been the increase in the use, and the abuse, of prescription medications, especially painkillers.

Rates of Illicit Drug Abuse in the U.S.

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/drugs/a/nsduh_drugs.htm

According to the survey, these are the most commonly abused drugs:

• Marijuana, by 14.8 million people, or 6 percent.
• Cocaine, 2.4 million users.
• Hallucinogens, including Ecstasy, 1 million users.
• Methamphetamine, about 731,000 users.
• Prescription drugs, 7 million nonmedical users.

Drug Abuse & Addiction

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without ever experiencing negative consequences or addiction. For many others, substance use can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed.

Because of the significance in the number of illegal drug users, especially the amount of those who are illegally using prescription medications, anyone who suspects they or a loved one could be addicted should seek professional help. Substance abuse counselors Michigan understand the challenges that come with substance abuse, as well as the different underlying problems that may be responsible for prompting people to turn to drugs in the first place. With patience and compassion, counselors can provide the necessary encouragement and support to help substance abusers reach their goal of becoming drug-free. To find out more about coping with substance abuse, or to schedule a time to meet one of our qualified counselors, please call our office as soon as possible.

Separation Anxiety Disorder in Children – A Brief Overview

Usually occurring between the ages of 7 months to eighteen months of age when babies first learn to differentiate strangers from familiar faces, mild separation anxiety can be a normal part of early childhood development. Although this can go on for some time, most children are usually well over their fears by the time they are 3 years old. When the symptoms of mild anxiety continue or worsen however, or they begin to interfere with continued normal development, separation anxiety disorder in children should be addressed by parents.

Since early anxiety usually dissipates before a child turns three, continued symptoms are usually found to be caused by some kind of traumatic happening early in the child’s life. This could be anything from moving to a new home, a hospital stay without the caretaker present, divorce or other emotional events .

Overprotective parents – or those with anxiety disorder themselves – can promote the development of separation anxiety disorder in children, too, and there is some thought that it may be inheritable. Symptoms are widely varied depending on the child, but typically include stomach aches, headaches, fear of going to school or sleeping alone at night, bed wetting, temper tantrums, social anxiety, not wanting to make friends, and so on.

Although it is a relatively small percentage of children (4-5%) who are still affected by the time they reach the 7 to 11 year point, and even fewer teenagers (1%) continue to exhibit symptoms, those who still do should be evaluated by a mental health professional. Separation anxiety disorder in children is a mental illness, one that is typically diagnosed by behavioral symptoms and interviewing of the child, but it must be distinguished from other underlying concerns or mental disorders before treatment can be discussed.

In most cases children do recover – either with psychotherapy, medication, or both – but that can only happen with professional diagnosis. Diagnosis made as early as possible is suggested, as children who begin therapy younger tend to have better, faster results than older children. Parents who feel their child may be experiencing separation anxiety are recommended to seek a child psychologist who can help.

The good news is that most children and teens grow up to be perfectly normal, well-adjusted adults despite their initial troubles with separation anxiety. Some may experience occasional bouts from time to time throughout their lives, but in most instances separation anxiety disorder in children is usually only a temporary condition.

If you are a parent of a child that you feel may be dealing with abnormal anxiety, please give our office in Rochester Hills, Michigan a call. We would love to set up an initial appointment to meet you both, and discuss diagnosis and treatment options available for your child.