TeenHealthFX - Answers - Recently Taken Up Bruising

Cutting / Question
Published: July 31, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I have recently taken up bruising. Or "wrist banging" or simply just hitting myself with objects. I used to cut but it lost the relief I was seeking so I'm using bruises as a temporary replacement. I would like to know if bruising is dangerous? It's very hard for me to stop hurting myself in general and would also like to know what can I do to help me stop this addiction. Thank you.

Signed: Recently Taken Up Bruising

Dear Recently Taken Up Bruising,

TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you and thinks that it is important for you to meet with a medical and mental health professional as soon as possible. There are possible medical complications that can occur as a result of this “bruising.” In addition, your self-harming behaviors indicate that there are emotional issues that need to be addressed – and if you have already escalated from cutting to bruising, it is important to stop these self-harming behaviors before they escalate further.

Bruises are a discoloration and tenderness of the skin due to the leakage of blood from injured blood vessels. The blood under the skin which causes the discoloration should be totally reabsorbed by the body in three weeks or less, at which time the skin should completely return to normal. However, sometimes a bruise may become solid and increase in size instead of dissolving, indicating the blood is trapped in the tissues and needs to be drained. This condition is called a hematoma. Less commonly, the body may develop calcium deposits at the injury site called heterotopic ossification. So there are complications that can occur as a result of being bruised that you should know about. Therefore, it is critical that a doctor meet with you to examine your injuries so he/she can determine the extent of any physical harm that has been done, as well as the need for any medical treatments.

As for dealing with this “addiction,” working with a mental health professional is strongly advised as this intentional “bruising” is an extremely maladaptive way of dealing with stress, frustration and other negative emotions. A mental health professional can help you to understand what is contributing to these negative emotions, can help you to address the contributing factors, and work with you on developing alternate, healthier coping mechanisms. If there is a mood disorder present, a consultation with a psychiatrist may be warranted to determine if psychotropic medication could be beneficial to you.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

You can also contact the Self-Injury Hotline (information only, not a crisis line) at 1-800-DON’T-CUT, 1-800-366-8288.

If you get to the point where you are afraid of the extent of your self-harming impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX