How to Stop Self-Harm OCD

How to stop self-harm OCD? OCD is infamous for causing an array of behaviours and responses that are often very upsetting to the people exhibiting them. One of the more serious of these is self-harm, which is often a manifestation of acute mental distress.

If you’re struggling with or have thoughts of self-harm due to OCD, the first thing to remember is that there are many sympathetic and highly trained professionals on hand to help you through what you’re experiencing. You are not alone, and you deserve assistance in overcoming your tendencies toward self-harm.

Keep reading for a closer look at some ways to address recurring thoughts or actions of self-harm as a result of OCD.

Common Manifestations of Self-Harm OCD

Self-harm is a relatively common symptom among people diagnosed with OCD, occurring in about 7.3% of cases. Most instances of self-harm OCD are related to the skin and can include compulsive washing, decontamination with harmful substances, or skin-picking. 

Guidelines for Exposure Strategies 

One of the most effective and popular ways to address self-harm due to OCD is through safe and well-regulated exposure to potential stressors. 

Before diving any further into how to stop self-harm OCD, it’s important to note that none of these strategies should be implemented without certain safeguards in place. 

Make sure none of your exposures put you in a situation where you might hurt yourself or someone else. Secondly, don’t make yourself do anything that goes against your morals, religious beliefs, or any other code or creed you live by. 

Never test yourself while practising an exposure technique. This means you should do your best to avoid self-monitoring or evaluating your progress while exposing yourself to potential stressors.

Ideally, you’ll work on stopping your unwanted or harmful behaviours with the help of a licensed clinician who can make sure you utilise the strategies in a safe way that is conducive to healing.

Exposure Strategies for Stopping Self-Harm OCD

Here are a few types of exposure that may be helpful.

Real-Life Exposure

Exposing yourself to real-life triggers might include standing near something messy or unclean, looking at a sharp object, or being alone with someone who is being loud or obnoxious. The idea behind real-life exposure is to prove to your brain that its safety barriers are in place and that you can trust yourself not to follow through on harmful impulses.

Image-Based Exposure

Image-based exposure involves looking at visual representations of things that trigger your self-harm impulses when you see them in real life. This can include watching movies, looking at photographs, or even writing stories of your own.

Imagined Exposure

With this method, you’ll imagine feeling the emotions you experience before feeling compelled to commit an act of self-harm. As with the other two methods above, you should work with a licensed professional to make sure you’re conducting the exposure in a safe and helpful way.

Get the Help You Deserve

If you’re in need of help learning how to stop self-harm OCD, there is no reason to struggle alone. Feelings of shame and failure are common with this condition, and they can be addressed with the assistance of a licensed psychiatric professional.

OCD & CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for OCD disorders. This type of therapy teaches you how to modify the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your condition. It also helps you develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Access CBT offer CBT treatment for all types of OCD, depressive and anxiety disorder issues with in-person OCD CBT Counselling in Liverpool or Online Support

The NHS UK also offers a number of support groups and advice for those suffering from OCD disorders.