Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (Self-Injury)

Nonsuicidal self-injury, commonly referred to as self-injury, is the intentional act of harming one's own body, such as cutting or burning oneself. It is typically not a suicide attempt but rather a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger, and stress.

Symptoms

Symptoms of self-injury may include scars in patterns, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, or other wounds. Individuals may engage in excessive rubbing to create a burn, keep sharp objects or items used for self-injury on hand, and wear concealing clothing even in hot weather to hide self-harm. Other signs include frequent reports of accidental injury, difficulties in relationships, impulsive and intense emotions, and talk of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.

Forms of Self-Injury

Self-injury is usually done in private and often follows a controlled pattern, leaving identifiable marks on the skin. Common forms of self-injury include cutting, burning, carving words or symbols, self-hitting, piercing, and inserting objects under the skin. The targets of self-injury are most commonly the arms, legs, chest, and belly, although any area of the body may be affected.

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is engaging in self-injury or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to reach out for help. Any form of self-injury indicates the presence of underlying stressors that need attention. Talking to a trusted individual, such as a friend, family member, healthcare provider, or school counselor, can be the first step toward successful treatment. It's crucial to remember that seeking help from supportive and non-judgmental individuals is essential in overcoming self-injury.

When to Get Emergency Help

If self-injury results in severe injury or if there are concerns about life-threatening harm or suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Additionally, consider contacting your mental health provider, a suicide hotline, a school counselor or nurse, a close friend or family member, or a spiritual leader for immediate support.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of self-injury are complex and can vary from person to person. It is often a result of poor coping skills and difficulties managing emotions, such as feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, anger, guilt, and rejection. Self-injury may be an attempt to manage distress, gain a sense of control, express internal feelings, or communicate stress or depression to the outside world. Risk factors for self-injury include having friends who self-injure, experiencing past neglect or abuse, struggling with mental health issues, and using alcohol or drugs.

Complications and Suicide Risk

Self-injury can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, low self-esteem, and permanent scars or harm to the body. If not properly treated, underlying issues may worsen. Although self-injury is not typically a suicide attempt, it can increase the risk of suicide due to the emotional problems that trigger self-harm. The pattern of damaging the body during times of distress can also make suicide more likely.

Prevention

Preventing self-injury involves strategies at both individual and community levels. Identifying individuals at risk and offering help, encouraging supportive social networks, raising awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviors, and discussing media influence are essential steps in reducing the risk of self-injury.