Self-Harm
What Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm refers to the deliberate act of injuring oneself as a way to cope with overwhelming emotional pain, frustration, anger, or inner emptiness. Known clinically as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), this behavior is not intended as a suicide attempt, but rather as a release from psychological distress. Self-harming can become a destructive cycle, as feelings of shame or guilt often follow the act—intensifying emotional suffering and leading to repeated self-injury. Over time, this behavior can disrupt daily life, damage relationships, and reduce overall well-being.
Who Is Affected by Self-Harm?
Self-injury is most commonly reported among teenagers and young adults, and data suggests it may be increasing.
According to studies:
- 17% of teens have self-harmed at least once
- 15% of college students report engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury
- Among children ages 5–10, 1.3% report self-harm
- About 5% of adults engage in self-injury behaviors
- Females account for approximately 65% of self-injury cases, although experts believe the behavior may be underreported among males.
If you’re concerned someone may be self-harming, look for the following warning signs:
- Visible scars, especially in patterns or forming words
- Frequent unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns
- Excuses for injuries that don’t seem plausible
- Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather
- Struggling with school or work performance
- Difficulty maintaining friendships or relationships
- Possession of sharp objects or tools used for self-harm
- Mood instability or impulsive behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities or isolation
What Causes Self-Harm?
- Past trauma such as abuse, bullying, or emotional neglect
- Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Substance or alcohol use
- Emotional dysregulation or difficulty managing stress
- Potential Consequences of Untreated Self-Harm
Left unaddressed, self-injury can result in serious medical and psychological complications:
- Permanent scarring
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Broken bones
- Hair loss
- Head trauma (from self-inflicted injury)
- Increased risk of suicide attempts
Common Forms of Self-Injury
- Cutting: Using blades or sharp objects to create wounds on arms, legs, or torso Burning: Inflicting burns using matches, lighters, or cigarettes
- Burning: Inflicting burns using matches, lighters, or cigarettes
- Headbanging: Repeatedly hitting the head against hard surfaces
- Punching: Hitting walls or oneself; more commonly seen in males
- Scratching or pinching: Persistent scratching or pinching until bruising or bleeding occurs
- Skin picking: Interfering with wound healing or tearing at the skin
- Object insertion: Embedding objects like glass or metal into the skin
- Poisoning: Ingesting toxic substances like cleaning agents or batteries
- Hair pulling (trichotillomania): Pulling out one’s hair, sometimes to the point of ingestion
- Anxiety Disorders: Present in 72%–89% of individuals who self-harm
- Depression: Reported in 72%–79% of self-injury cases
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
- Found in 20%–52% of those who self-injure
- Around 70%–75% of people with BPD self-harm
Substance Use Disorders:
- Around 9% of those who self-injure misuse drugs
- 25%–33% of people with alcohol dependence have a history of self-injury
Eating Disorders:
- 27%–61% with binge-purge anorexia
- 26%–55% with bulimia nervosa
- 13%–42% with restrictive anorexia subtype
- Dissociative Disorders: Found in 69% of individuals with these disorders
Suicidal Ideation:
While self-injury is not meant to be suicidal, 40% of those who self-harm report suicidal thoughts
50%–85% have attempted suicide at least once