Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder or also called Self-Harm is when a person self mutilates himself for many different reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic, Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress.
Symptoms are: Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn-Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks or other wounds- Behaviors and emotions that change quickly and are impulsive, intense and unexpected – Talk of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness- Difficulties in relationships with others –
It’s hard to say exactly what causes a person to self-harm. But certain mental health conditions are linked to self-injury, including: Anxiety – Autism – Bipolar Disorder – Depression – Eating Disorders – Sleep Disorder – OCD – PTSD for just a few. People who feel socially isolated or rejected, especially children and teenagers who experience bullying or social isolation for other reasons, have higher rates of self-harm. Self-injury mostly happens in private, usually, it’s done in a controlled manner or the same way each time, which often leaves a pattern on the skin. Examples of self-harm include: Cutting, scratching or stabbing with a sharp object also piercing the skin with sharp objects, even burning oneself with lit matches, cigarettes or heated, sharp objects such as knives. One may even hit oneself, or punch, bite or even bang their head or pull out their hair. Most frequently, the arms, legs, chest and belly are the targets of self-injury. But any area of the body may be a target, sometimes using more than one method. If you’re injuring yourself, even in a minor way, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help. Any form of self-injury is a sign of bigger stressors that need attention. According to the Cleveland Clinic if you have difficulty breathing or you have bleeding that won’t stop or loss of motion in your arm or leg due to self harm you should seek emergency treatment. Talk to someone you trust — such as a friend, family member, health care provider, spiritual leader, or a school counselor, nurse or teacher. Self-harm can lead to feelings of shame, guilt or regret. You might worry about people noticing your injuries and go to great lengths to cover or hide injuries or scars. Self-harm behaviors can often escalate. You might start to self-harm more frequently or your self-harm may become more severe. Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder doesn’t involve suicidal intent. But the risk of attempting or dying by suicide is much higher for people who self-harm.
Preventing first-time self-harm isn’t always possible, but seeking help from a mental healthcare provider can reduce the chances that someone will continue to self-harm. If you have a friend or family member who is self-injuring, you may be shocked and scared. Take all talk of self-injury seriously. Although you might feel that you’d be betraying a confidence, self-injury is too big a problem to ignore or to deal with alone. For many people, self-harming behaviors may be difficult to understand. For those who self-harm, doing so may feel like it’s the only way to feel better or to have some control in their lives. While people might not mean to endanger themselves, self-harm still has risks. Because it isn’t a sustainable way to feel better, it also negatively affects your physical and mental health and well-being. If you feel the need to self-harm or are doing so, it’s OK to ask for help. Seeking care for self-harm is no different from seeking medical care for a physical condition. It may not feel like it now, but it’s possible for you to feel better both physically and mentally.
Need Help? Text a Crisis Counselor at 741471. You’re not alone.
Pass 741741 On To A Friend you may know who needs help. Or call 988
S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) – Organization dedicated to helping people who self-harm, with a helpline at 1-800-366-8288.
A crisis doesn’t only mean suicide. It can be any painful emotion that requires support: bullying | school stress | depression | anxiety | suicide | relationships | friendship | family problems | self-harm.