Seeking Guidance on Self-Harm Injury Care
A 30-year-old female, standing 5'3" and weighing 140 lbs, regularly engages in physical activities. She is managing diagnosed depression and anxiety by taking 300mg of Venlafaxine every day and attends psychotherapy sessions weekly. For over half of her life, she has faced challenges with self-injurious behavior, classified as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), though it has largely been under control. Recently, however, she experienced a setback and harmed herself three days ago, resulting in two adjacent, moderately deep cuts that required stitches, which she chose not to seek at the emergency room. She is confident in her ability to care for wounds, and has kept the area clean and properly bandaged. Despite this, she has played six hockey games since the injury. Notably, she played three close together yesterday afternoon without changing the bandage in between. After showering, she cleaned and dried the injury thoroughly before applying a fresh bandage along with some Polysporin. Upon closer inspection, she noticed a blackish-purple discoloration developing on the top cut, spreading toward the other. While she believes this could be bruising, she is also aware of the potential complications associated with deeper wounds. She is reluctant to visit the ER or a clinic, acknowledging that the opportunity for stitching has long passed. Unsure about further actions beyond cleaning and bandaging, and with her family doctor unavailable until the end of the week, she feels guilty about possibly burdening an already overwhelmed healthcare system with a self-imposed issue. Though she is not comfortable sharing images publicly, she is open to connecting with anyone willing to communicate privately regarding the matter. Thank you in advance for any support or advice offered.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 9:01:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's commendable that you're taking the time to care for your wounds and are seeking guidance on how to proceed. Given your situation, it’s essential to address both the wound care and your feelings to ensure proper healing and emotional support.
Key Points:
- Your wounds require close monitoring due to the discoloration.
- Consider assessing for any signs of infection or complications.
- Take steps to prioritize your emotional wellbeing alongside physical care.
Explanation:
You mentioned experiencing a blackish-purple discoloration that could be bruising but also raises a concern for possible complications, especially considering the depth of the cuts and the lack of stitches.
- Discoloration: While bruising can result from trauma, it may also indicate bleeding under the skin. Given that you're engaging in physical activity like hockey, this could be exacerbated.
- Infection Signs: Look for increased redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain, or discharge.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Wound:
- Keep the cuts clean and dry. Change the bandage daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Keep observing the discoloration. If it spreads, or if you notice any signs of infection mentioned above, you may have to reconsider seeking care.
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Limit Physical Activity:
- It may be wise to avoid activities like hockey until your wounds are adequately healed to prevent further injury and to give your cuts a chance to heal properly.
-
Emotional Support:
- Engage in coping strategies you find effective, such as journaling, art, or mindfulness exercises, to help manage your feelings around self-injury.
- If you feel comfortable, reach out to your therapist to discuss your experiences. Even a brief message can provide support and guidance.
- Consider reaching out to trusted friends or support communities online where privacy can be maintained.
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Plan for Medical Attention:
- If the discoloration worsens, or if any of the infection signs appear, reconsider your decision about visiting a healthcare facility. It's okay to seek help for your injuries, and it does not burden the system.
Your journey can be challenging, but prioritizing your health—both physical and emotional—is crucial. Stay connected to your support network, and remember that taking care of yourself is always a priority. If you have any immediate concerns or if your symptoms worsen, please reconsider seeking professional medical advice sooner rather than later.
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