Various types of traumas involve the exploitation of the victim’s body, mind, and emotions for the purpose of exerting control, gratifying the perpetrator’s needs, and/or releasing tension. This is precisely why trauma victims often utilize their bodies to get relief from their own tension or other symptoms they experience as a result of their trauma. We often see this in people who are victims of child abuse or neglect, however, it is frequently evident in adults too.
Trauma victims typically lack healthy experiences of tension relief, such as developing secure attachments with adults in childhood. As a result, they learn to use their bodies to find the relief they so desperately need.
Cultivating a Sense of Self-Reliance
Trauma victims often develop an aversion toward asking for help from others, which is rooted in their trauma. They tend to avoid forming connections with other people because they’ve learned that those connections only result in negative experiences. This causes them to rely on themselves to soothe their feelings and emotions.
As this self-reliance is cultivated, it can lead to any or even all of the following:
What is Relieving About Self-Destructive Behavior?
It can help to understand what a person exhibiting self-destructive or self-injurious behaviors experiences. These behaviors are very effective at bringing the relief trauma victims seek because they first stimulate the production of adrenaline. Increased adrenaline can cause the individual to feel more powerful, in control, and energetic.
Following the boost in adrenaline, the individual experiences the release of more endorphins, which produce a relaxing effect on them. These two reactions occur at almost the same time and bring instant relief. And similar reactions are experienced when an individual overeats, restricts their food intake, binges and purges, or abuses drugs and alcohol.
In time, people develop a tolerance to self-destructive behaviors. We commonly see tolerance forming in drug and alcohol abuse, which simply means that it requires more of the substance to achieve the desired results. The same tolerance occurs with eating disorders, self-injury, and other behaviors. This is why trauma victims with eating disorders will experience them spiraling out of control after a period of time. It is also why people who cut, burn, or scratch themselves to get relief will act upon their urges to do so more often or more severely as time goes on.
When Does Self-Destructive Behavior Typically Begin?
Most people who engage in self-destructive behaviors or self-injury begin to act out in these ways in early adolescence. Typically, this means between the ages of 11 and 14, which is the time most teens are naturally struggling internally with a need for independence and the fear of being abandoned.
However, it is important to note that depending on when the individual experienced trauma, these behaviors can develop at any time.
Getting Help for Trauma and Self-Destructive Behaviors
If you or someone you love has experienced trauma and is engaging in self-destructive behaviors, help is available. Contact me today to make your appointment.
