Self-destructive behavior is any activity that is harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s mental and physical health. Some of these behaviors are subtle, while some are obvious. Previous emotional or physical abuse, childhood trauma, and neglect can cause self-destructive behaviors
The rate at which these behaviors affect an individual depends on the frequency of engagement. However, no matter the frequency, self-destructive behavior negatively impacts the individual’s social, mental, and physical life. Some of these behaviors are:
Binge Eating
Binge eating, an example of eating disorders, can harm an individual when it becomes a pattern. Many people binge eat as a reaction to stress or as a coping mechanism. Although the activity produces pleasure at the moment, it can cause harm and other problems to the individual.
Binge eating can lead to uncoordinated weight loss or gain, gastrointestinal problems, and some chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. In addition, the emotional consequence includes a feeling of guilt and shame.
Recovery from binge eating is not quite easy. However, some basic practices can help an individual overcome this self-destructive behavior. Avoiding the temptation to binge eat is the first step to recovery. It is advisable to ensure the junks are not close by. Avoiding emotional triggers causing binge eating also helps in fast recovery.
Also, the individual can yield to distraction consciously when the feeling of binge eating comes. Distraction tends to reduce the feeling of binge eating.
Procrastination
Procrastination is the act of postponing an activity for a later time. Procrastination, especially chronic, can affect an individual’s overall performance. It can affect an individual’s health, leading to compromised health. It can also negatively affect academics and work, leading to the loss of opportunities. Signs of procrastination in an individual are:
- Laziness
- Setting unrealistic goals
- Making excuses
- Inability to concentrate on a task
- Being afraid of failure
- Feeling bored or lonely.
Overcoming procrastination starts with changing bad habits. First, have a proper plan indicating how the day will go. Set a specific time to complete each task and ensure the work is done.
Also, attaching rewards to completing each task encourages an individual to keep doing more. These solutions reduce the rate of procrastination and increase an individual’s overall performance.
Moreover, be accountable to a support system made of family and friends. They ensure the tasks are completed and properly done. In addition, these people provide encouragement and support when it seems procrastination is creeping in.
Substance Abuse
Most individuals often use substance abuse as a coping mechanism. However, it causes harm to mental and physical health. Examples of substance abuse include misuse of a prescription drug, use of illegal drugs, and uncoordinated consumption of alcohol. In the long run, substance abuse leads to emotional damage and death. Symptoms of substance abuse in an individual are:
- Unusual change in personality
- Lack of concern for healthy living
- Financial problem
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Slurred speeches
- Mental health disorder
- Emotional problems
Overcoming substance abuse alone is not easy. However, seeking professional help makes the journey easier and faster. Patients getting professional help through drug or addiction rehab services in Brooklyn prevent health, mental, and emotional problems.
Isolation
Some individuals withdraw from social interaction either passively or actively, leading to isolation. The decision to isolate often stems from shame, guilt, or not feeling worthy. Although such individuals feel happy for a temporary period, it is harmful in the long run.
Loneliness often seems like a way to think about life problems. However, it is a symptom of self-destruction when it becomes a pattern. This self-destructive behavior makes an individual feel better without other people around. The individual also experiences the following:
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Addictive personality
- Self-harm possibility
- Avoidance of Responsibility
Talking to someone enables an individual to overcome isolation. Also, patients can inform others about treating them well.
Also, trying other healthier means to cope with problems reduces isolation. This method decreases the likelihood of the individual engaging in harmful activities.
Prioritize Having Great Mental and Physical Health!
Self-destruction is when an individual engages in an activity that is harmful repeatedly. Individuals exposed to sexual or physical abuse and neglect often develop strange harmful habits. It isn’t easy to get out of these habits when they become a pattern.
New healthier habits increase the chances of overcoming self-destructive behaviors. Often, these habits produce positive changes and a healthy living pattern. However, if the bad habits are challenging to overcome, consult a professional. These professionals have training in handling such issues and can provide effective ways to overcome these habits.