Self Injury Behavior Treatment in India

Aarav Khan is a 17-year-old high...

Aarav Khan is a 17-year-old high school student from a tight-knit family. He is a high achiever academically but feels immense pressure to secure a prestigious engineering seat. For the past eight months, Aarav has been engaging in self-injury, primarily cutting his upper thighs with a razor blade. It started after he received a lower-than-expected score on a critical mock exam. He describes the physical pain as a 'release valve' for the overwhelming anxiety and self-loathing he feels, providing a momentary sense of calm and control. His parents discovered the scars and were devastated. His psychiatrist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a structured treatment plan for Self-Injury Behavior. This began with a comprehensive assessment to understand triggers and functions of the behavior. Treatment involved weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) sessions focusing on distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills, replacing the urge to self-harm with techniques like holding ice or intense exercise. Aarav also started a low-dose SSRI for underlying anxiety. The initial weeks were difficult; he had several setbacks. However, with consistent therapy and family support, the frequency of self-injury reduced significantly over four months. Post-treatment, Aarav has been self-injury free for three months. He uses his DBT skills daily and feels more equipped to handle academic stress. His emotional journey was one of deep shame and isolation, believing he was 'broken.' Through therapy, he learned to view his self-injury as a maladaptive coping skill, not a moral failing. He now experiences self-compassion and a fragile but growing hope for his future.