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.
Common Symptoms of Self-Harming Behavior
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
Self-harm can take many forms, including:
- Cutting: Using blades or sharp objects to create wounds on arms, legs, or torso
- 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
Mental Health Conditions Commonly Linked to Self-Harm
Research shows that self-harming behavior often coexists with other psychological disorders:
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Anxiety Disorders: Present in 72%–89% of individuals who self-harm
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Depression: Reported in 72%–79% of self-injury cases
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PTSD: Affects 25%–28% of those who engage in self-harm
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
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Found in 20%–52% of those who self-injure
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Around 70%–75% of people with BPD self-harm
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Substance Use Disorders:
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Around 9% of those who self-injure misuse drugs
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25%–33% of people with alcohol dependence have a history of self-injury
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Eating Disorders:
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27%–61% with binge-purge anorexia
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26%–55% with bulimia nervosa
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13%–42% with restrictive anorexia subtype
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Dissociative Disorders: Found in 69% of individuals with these disorders
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Suicidal Ideation:
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While self-injury is not meant to be suicidal, 40% of those who self-harm report suicidal thoughts
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50%–85% have attempted suicide at least once
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