Eating Disorders,
Self-Harm

Self-harm and eating disorders frequently co-occur, with studies showing that 25-50% of individuals who engage in one behavior also struggle with the other. Self-harm includes deliberate self-injury behaviors like cutting, burning, or scratching, while eating disorders encompass restriction, binging, purging, and excessive exercise that can also function as forms of self-injury. Both behaviors serve as maladaptive coping mechanisms for managing overwhelming emotions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and lack of control.

Professional therapy services for self-harm and eating disorders utilize evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing difficult emotions and reframing negative thoughts, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for developing healthy coping skills and distress tolerance, and specialized trauma-informed approaches. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes such as emotional regulation difficulties, trauma history, and developing adaptive coping strategies while providing ongoing support to prevent relapse. Early intervention with experienced mental health professionals is crucial, as both conditions require comprehensive care that addresses the interconnected nature of these self-destructive behaviors and their emotional triggers.