Self-Harm: Why People Do It, Warning Signs and How to Help

Self-harm, or self-injury, means hurting your own body on purpose. The injuries may be minor, but they can be severe, leaving permanent scars or causing serious health problems.

Examples include:

• cutting the skin with a razor blade, knife or other sharp object;
• punching yourself, or punching things such as a wall;
• burning yourself with cigarettes, matches or candles;
• pushing objects through body openings;
• breaking your own bones or bruising yourself.

Self-harm is not a mental disorder. It is a behavior — an unhealthy way of coping with strong feelings — although some people who harm themselves do have a mental disorder. People who self-harm are usually not trying to end their lives. But if they do not get help, they are at higher risk of attempting suicide.

Why people harm themselves

The reasons vary, but people who self-harm often have trouble coping with their feelings. They may do it to:

• feel something, when they feel empty or numb inside;
• block out upsetting memories;
• show that they need help;
• release overwhelming feelings such as anger, loneliness or hopelessness;
• punish themselves;
• feel in control.

Who is at risk

People of all ages self-harm, but it usually begins in the teens or early adult years. It is more common in people who:

• were abused or went through trauma as children;
• have mental disorders such as depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or certain personality disorders;
• misuse drugs or alcohol;
• have friends who self-harm;
• have low self-esteem.

Warning signs

• frequent cuts, bruises or scars;
• wearing long sleeves or long pants even in hot weather;
• making excuses for injuries;
• keeping sharp objects around for no clear reason.

How to help

If someone you know is harming themselves, don't judge them. Let them know you want to help. If the person is a child or teenager, ask them to talk to a trusted adult; if they won't, talk to a trusted adult yourself. If the person is an adult, suggest mental health counseling.

Treatment

No medicine treats self-harm itself, but there are medicines for mental disorders a person may have, such as anxiety and depression, and treating those can weaken the urge to self-harm. Counseling or therapy helps by teaching:

• problem-solving skills;
• new ways to cope with strong emotions;
• better relationship skills;
• ways to build self-esteem.

When the problem is severe, a person may need more intensive treatment in a psychiatric hospital or a mental health day program.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.

Sources

• MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): "Self-Harm."