Mood Highs and Lows Affect Self-Harm

Many of those who self-harm feel trapped inside their own skin. It can be difficult deciphering what your body is telling you when your own behaviors are unrecognizable. These mood highs and lows can make those struggling with mental illness turn to destroying the skin they feel trapped inside of, hoping those feelings will disappear. However, it can be tough ignoring a fresh self-harm scar and forgetting what brought you to that point of recklessness when it is right in front of you. Even after a quick glance at a recent self-injury mark, a terrific day can turn into a nightmare because of the emotions locked inside the wound. Mood highs and lows affect self-harm behavior.

Lows in mood can happen to anyone. However, some people may have more severe, mood highs and lows which can turn the mind into a big, chaotic ball of confusion. When that ball of chaotic confusion hits, a fight begins in the mind because that person knows they should not to be acting a certain way. Yet, even though the mind may think one way, the body may not always sync up to stop certain behaviors or emotions from occurring. Mood lows can increase self-harming behavior.

Managing the Mood Highs and Lows and Self-Harm

Life isn’t easy. You will always have barriers to jump and even when you think your life is smooth sailing, something will appear in the way. I’m not trying to be a “Negative Nancy” -- I’m just trying to be honest. I recently have been riding on this manic rollercoaster ride of mood highs and lows and I have yet to feel the engine slow down. One moment I feel great after a successful yoga or Zumba class and the next I am an emotional wreck because I forgot my water bottle in the car.

I remember feeling a similar way during my years of serious self-harm. When my positive, high mood cracked, I would instantly start thinking about where I could go to self-injure. Like mentioned before, making a mark, self-harming, only helped ease the overwhelming emotions for a short amount of time. When the wound peaked from inside my sleeves or between my bracelets, my moods would start cracking again and the cycle of mood highs and lows would repeat.

When you’re in a positive state of mind, you are 100% ready to conquer your demons and move forward successfully. However, when you’re in a negative mindset, sometimes nothing can kick you out of the funk or stop the tears from flowing (usually thinking about the tears makes the stream turn into a waterfall). Many people see the little triggers that set some people off as petty while those struggling see those same triggers as being anxiety-ridden and frustrating.

Everyone is different which means everyone handles the world around them in a unique way. People need to embrace those differences, even though it can be tough to do so.

Recognizing Your Self-Worth May Help Mood Highs and Lows and Self-Harm

It’s important to have a optimistic, yet cautious, mindset at all times. Therefore, when difficulties do arise, you will be mentally and emotionally as prepared as you can be. It is not easy preparing yourself for every situation that could set waterworks down your cheeks and affect self-harm behavior. You shouldn’t look too deep into tough situations because for those who are overly emotional, overthinking tough scenarios before they occur can cause that ball of chaotic confusion to erupt.

Instead of bubbling that ball of chaotic confusion, start each day thinking as many positive thoughts as you can or by doing a positive activity (yoga, walking the dog, writing, eating a healthy breakfast). If you are worried about the day ahead due to workplace or classroom issues, carry over the positive energy you started your day off with into your routine. It isn’t easy bringing that positive vibe into an atmosphere that lacks that energy, but the more you appreciate your own self-worth, the more likely you will be able to handle the mood highs and lows without turning to self-harm.

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.