Definition

Occurs when someone repeatedly harms themselves on purpose in a way that is impulsive and not intended to be lethal. It is also known as self harm, self mutilation, or self abuse.

People who harm themselves are at a higher risk of attempting suicide if they do not receive help. 

Commons methods of self injury

• Skin cutting (70-90%)
• Head banging or hitting (21%-44%)
• Burning (15%-35%)
• Excessive scratching to the point of drawing blood,
• WPunching (either one’s self or objects)
• Inserting objects into body openings and/or infecting oneself
• Drinking something harmful (like bleach or detergent)
• Breaking bones purposefully 

Most individuals who self harm typically hurt themselves in more than one way.*

Reasons for self injury-

• To distract themselves from negative feelings
• To express emotions they might be embarrassed to show
• To develop a sense of control over their lives
• To process the way they are feeling
• Punish themselves for things they think they have done wrong

Mainly it is a way to cope with or relieve painful or hard-to-express feelings.

Warning signs of self injury

• Have scars- commonly found on a person’s forearms and upper thighs; will hide scars and injuries with clothing (i.e. where long sleeves and pants in hot weather)*
• Have unexplained frequent injuries, including cuts and burns- tend to make up reasons for how an injury happened
• Tend to have sharp objects on hand
• Have low self-esteem
• Have difficulty handling feelings
• Say they feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless
• Have relationship problems or avoidance of relationships
• Have poor functioning at work, school, or home

Source- MHA