Understanding Self-Harm & Why People Do It
People could self-harm for many reasons and in different ways. It’s relatively common, especially in teenagers, and involves intentionally injuring oneself. While self-harm isn’t always indicative of suicidal ideation, it’s still a serious issue that requires empathy and sensitivity.
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Key Takeaways
- Self-harm is the act of intentionally inflicting harm on yourself.
- It’s most common in adolescent females, but anyone can engage in self-harm.
- Professional help is available to support people who self-harm in their recovery.
What Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is the act of intentionally causing harm to yourself. It’s important to note that this isn’t a mental health disorder; it’s a coping mechanism to handle psychological distress. This behavior may also be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
Various mental health conditions are associated with an increased risk of self-harm, including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD
Self-harm can have significant long-term effects on physical and mental health, from accidentally injuring yourself more than intended to having a higher risk of attempting suicide in the future[1].
What Are the Common Ways People Self-Harm?
People may self-harm in any number of ways, including:
- Using a sharp object to cut or pierce the skin
- Punching or hitting themselves or hard objects
- Using candles, matches, or cigarettes to inflict burns
Why Do People Self-Harm?
The reasons behind self-harm are various and complex. It can be an attempt to cope with strong emotions, gain control over their lives, or express their distress. There’s a stigma around self-harm that it’s purely attention-seeking or a suicide attempt, but this is often untrue. Many people who self-harm go to great lengths to hide their behaviors.
If you know someone who is engaging in self-harm, it’s important to understand them from a place of compassion and without judgment. Often, a complex mix of individual experiences leads to this behavior, and it may take assistance from a professional to get through it.
Risk Factors of Self-Harming Behavior
According to research, people who self-harm do so regardless of race or socioeconomic status[2]. However, certain groups can be at a higher risk, including:
- Females between the ages of 16-19[3]
- Members of the LGBTQ community
- Children or teens experiencing bullying
- Those experiencing trauma
- Individuals having one or more mental health disorders[4]
Among physical illnesses, epilepsy, asthma, migraine, psoriasis, and diabetes mellitus have been shown to increase risk of self-harm and suicide.
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD
Warning Signs of Self-Harm
Certain warning signs of self-harm may present themselves. The most common include:
- Unexplained scars
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants even when it’s hot out
- Fresh injuries, such as cuts, burns, bruises, or bite marks
- Excuses about injuries that don’t line up
- Negative self-talk about worthlessness or helplessness
- Emotional and behavioral unpredictability
How to Help Yourself or a Loved One Who Self-Harms
If you’re self-harming, the first step is to tell someone you trust and ask for help. A counselor can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to reduce the behavior.
If your loved one is self-harming, it’s important to approach them sensitively. Listen without judgment and gently encourage them to seek professional help. Recovery is possible but often takes assistance.
Many resources can assist, including local crisis hotlines. To locate resources in your area, visit FindTreatment.gov.
Self-Harm Treatment and Recovery Options
Several treatment and recovery options can help with self-harm. The most commonly used is mental health counseling. These programs teach you how to cope with the urge to self-harm while also attempting to resolve the reasons you picked up the habit.
In some cases, doctors may also recommend medications, but this can depend on the underlying cause of the self-harm. In some cases, rehabilitation may be required to help you or your loved one make a full recovery.
Recovery is possible, especially if you have the right resources and support to help.
Common FAQs About Self-Harm
Self-harm can look like any kind of unexplained injuries. It may also involve misuse of alcohol or drugs, unusual eating habits, or changes in well-being and personality. Some people who self-harm may also withdraw from the people around them they were once close to[5].
Recent data reveals that 6%-14% of adolescent boys and 17%-30% of adolescent girls self-harm. Rates are lower in adults[6].
Self-harm is driven by emotional relief. People who self-harm often do so to manage emotional distress or to self-soothe, and it can become habitual, mimicking addiction[7].
Some activities can help reduce or eliminate self-harming behaviors. Among the most recommended are:
– Identifying emotions and practicing coping skills, such as reaching out to someone or eating something flavorful
– Going outside or changing your current environment
– Engaging in physical activity — even a quick walk or dancing to your favorite music can help
– Contacting someone you trust for emotional support
– Putting together a music playlist with soothing or upbeat music
– Expressing yourself with art[8]
If you have recurring thoughts of self-harm, the most important thing you can do is reach out. Speak to someone on a crisis hotline, reach out to a friend or family member, or seek professional help from a licensed counselor. Try to resist the urge and follow healthier strategies. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to your general practitioner. They can refer you to helpful online resources and self-harm communities.
Recovery From Self-Harm Is Possible
Self-harm is rarely a sign of suicidal ideation, but it is a sign that someone needs more support. If you’re trying to help a loved one with self-harming behavior, remember to approach them with empathy and understanding while offering support. If you are self-harming, reach out for help. Everyone deserves to receive compassion and support in their journey toward healing.
Written by Serena Tanner
Serena Tanner attended the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in philosophy after many detours delving into human rights, law, psychology, and social work. Health and holistic wellness topics continue to hold a special place in her heart. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found exploring the Pacific Northwest with her two children and dogs.
Edited by Katelynne Shepard
Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle's work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.
Subject Matter Expert Brindusa Vanta, MD
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and medical subject matter expert . She earned her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania. She has a special interest in mental health and has collaborated with psychologists and other mental health practitioners on various research projects focused on therapies to manage depression, age-related cognitive decline, trauma and stressor- related conditions.
Sources
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Gelezelyte, O., et al. (2022). Risk factors for self-harm in patients with depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 308, 198-209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.007. Sourced from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032722002609
Nock, M. K., & Prinstein, M. J. (2004). A functional approach to the assessment of self-mutilative behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(5), 885-890. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.72.5.885. Sourced from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023515/
Health Service Executive (HSE). (n.d.). Self-harm. Sourced from https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/self-harm/
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Self-harm. Sourced from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-harm
Muehlenkamp, J. J., et al. (2012). Rates of non-suicidal self-injury in the United States: Age, sex, race, and prevalence differences. Journal of Mental Health, 21(4), 395-404. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2012.689936. Sourced from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3625678/
Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery. (n.d.). Distraction techniques [PDF]. Sourced from https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/perch/resources/distraction-techniques-pm-2.pdf