Self-Harm: Revealing the Roots of Self-Injurious Behaviors

Thrive • March 1, 2022

By Thrive Reno Clinical Director and Therapist Kerstin Trachok, CPC 

WHAT IS SELF-HARM?

Individuals who self-harm or self-injure purposefully hurt themselves often as a means for dealing with painful memories, distressing emotions, or overwhelming situations. Rather than an attempt at ending one’s life , self-harm is generally a strategy for obtaining relief. Still, deliberately hurting oneself is dangerous and may shift to suicidal ideation. 

Self-injury afflicts a wide range of age groups. According to the American Psychological Association , 1.3% of youths ages 5 to 10, 17% of adolescents, and 15% of college students have intentionally hurt themselves. Older adults are also known to self-harm.

Sometimes mistakenly characterized as attention-seeking behavior, self-harm is typically performed in secrecy out of a sense of shame. As a means of coping with related feelings of guilt or remorse, individuals may continue engaging in self-injurious behaviors, which can create a vicious cycle. 

Risk factors for self-injury include having a co-occurring mental or behavioral health condition, such as:

  • Anxiety : Overwhelm or worry characteristic of anxiety can motivate self-injury.
  • Depression : Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and numbness associated with depression can provoke individuals to intentionally hurt themselves.
  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD) : BPD can make emotions seem much more intense to affected individuals, driving them to seek relief in self-harm.
  • Eating disorders : Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder (BED), involve self-harming behaviors. Individuals struggling with eating disorders are also at risk for engaging in other self-injurious behaviors.
  • Substance use disorders: A form of self-harm in itself, substance abuse can evoke shame. Substances can also curb self-control, impair judgment, and lower inhibitions — all of which can lead to self-injury for someone who may be struggling. 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder : Trauma and its concurrent painful emotions are closely linked to self-harm. 

Individuals who self-injure may be driven by the desire to:

  • Administer self-punishment
  • Process thoughts or feelings that are too uncomfortable to express in words
  • Express suicidal thoughts or feelings without the intention of taking their life 
  • Feel a release or sense of escape
  • Feel something physical other than numbness
  • Turn emotional pain into physical pain

Signs that a person is engaging in self-harm can include:

  • Avoiding situations that involve showing skin, such as swimming
  • Wearing clothes that cover the skin even when the weather is warm
  • Engaging in impulsive behaviors
  • Hiding sharp objects
  • Spending extended amounts of time alone 
  • Struggling to maintain healthy friendships, family relationships, or romantic relationships 
  • Bloodstains on clothes, towels, bedding, or tissues
  • Unexplained wounds that appear sporadically or in the same places, often on the wrists, arms, thighs, or torso

It’s important to note that these warning signs aren’t exclusive to self-harm and could also indicate that a person is facing another kind of physical, mental, or behavioral health condition.

STOP SELF-HARM

Self-harm requires treatment from a mental or behavioral health professional. If you suspect a loved one is harming themselves, you can express your concern for their well-being with compassion. Try to approach them without judgment, encourage them to seek clinical support, and offer to help them find care. 

Treatment for self-harm should address the underlying thoughts and feelings influencing self-injurious behaviors, while also integrating skills to process distressing emotions and experiences healthily. While treatment approaches for self-harm vary based on the individuals’ diagnosis, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be an effective therapeutic method to teach individuals tangible skills for regulating emotions, implementing mindfulness, and creating a life where there is no space for self-harm.

CULTIVATE A HEALTHY SENSE OF SELF AT THRIVE

If you’re struggling to embrace your emotions constructively, Thrive’s specialists can help you discover what’s at the root of your suffering and guide you on a path to healing. Find out more about Thrive’s therapeutic services by reaching out

SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY SELF-HARM

Individuals struggling with self-harm may also consider taking advantage of the following free national support resources.

  • Crisis Text Line : A 24/7 crisis line offering mental health support and crisis intervention. Individuals can text “HOME” to 741-741 to connect with a counselor.
  • The Trevor Project : A resource dedicated to ending suicide among LGBTQ people. Individuals can text “START” to 678-678 or call 1 (866) 488-7386 to connect with a counselor.
  • CHADS Coalition : An organization dedicated to advancing awareness and prevention of suicide. Individuals can call or text CHADS’ Family Support Warm Line at (314) 952-8274
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : A national network of local crisis centers that provides support to those facing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Individuals can connect with the lifeline by calling 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

About the Author

Thrive Reno Clinical Director and Therapist Kerstin Trachok, CPC

Kerstin received her master’s degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. Kerstin has six years of experience in the counseling field working in different settings and a wide array of mental health issues. Kerstin has experience working in schools with children of all ages, clients with psychosis in a hospital setting, adults and teens in private practice, and working at an agency providing counseling to children and families. Kerstin is a fully licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Nevada and received her certification in Complex Trauma Levels I and II. Kerstin has experience working with children, teens, adults and families with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum, suicidal ideation, and behavioral issues. Kerstin is passionate about fostering client’s growth and autonomy while providing a safe and secure space to process emotions. Kerstin uses creative interventions and other tools to allow clients to voice their internal experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Kerstin’s theoretical approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She uses mindfulness tools and techniques to help clients be present moment oriented, and reduce stress so they may move towards psychological flexibility. Kerstin believes all individuals have the right to live a fulfilling and vital life.

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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