What is self-harm?
Self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person hurts his or her own body on purpose. The injuries may be minor, but sometimes they can be severe. They may leave permanent scars or cause serious health problems. Some examples are
Cutting yourself (such as using a razor blade, knife, or other sharp object to cut your skin)
Punching yourself or punching things (like a wall)
Burning yourself with cigarettes, matches, or candles
Pulling out your hair
Poking objects through body openings
Breaking your bones or bruising yourself
Self-harm is not a mental disorder. It is a behavior - an unhealthy way to cope with strong feelings. However, some of the people who harm themselves do have a mental disorder.
People who harm themselves are usually not trying to kill themselves. But they are at higher risk of attempting suicide if they do not get help.
Why do people harm themselves?
There are different reasons why people harm themselves. Often, they have trouble coping and dealing with their feelings. They harm themselves to try to
Make themselves feel something, when they feel empty or numb inside
Block upsetting memories
Show that they need help
Release strong feelings that overwhelm them, such as anger, loneliness, or hopelessness
Punish themselves
Feel a sense of control
Who is at risk for self-harm?
There are people of all ages who harm themselves, but it usually starts in the teen or early adult years. Self-harm is more common in people who
Were abused or went through a trauma as children
Have mental disorders, such as
Depression
Eating disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Certain personality disorders
Misuse drugs or alcohol
Have friends who self-harm
Have low self-esteem
What are the signs of self-harm?
Signs that someone may be hurting themselves include
Having frequent cuts, bruises, or scars
Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather
Making excuses about injuries
Having sharp objects around for no clear reason
How can I help someone who self-harms?
If someone you know is self-harming, it is important not to be judgmental. Let that person know that you want to help. If the person is a child or teenager, ask him or her to talk to a trusted adult. If he or she won't do that, talk to a trusted adult yourself. If the person who is self-harming is an adult, suggest mental health counseling.
What the treatments are for self-harm?
There are no medicines to treat self-harming behaviors. But there are medicines to treat any mental disorders that the person may have, such as anxiety and depression. Treating the mental disorder may weaken the urge to self-harm.
Mental health counseling or therapy can also help by teaching the person
Problem-solving skills
New ways to cope with strong emotions
Better relationship skills
Ways to strengthen self-esteem
If the problem is severe, the person may need more intensive treatment in a psychiatric hospital or a mental health day program.
