Understanding Self-Harm
Learn what self-harm is, and why people do it. Know the signs to look for and actions to take if someone you care about is self-harming.
3 min readSelf-harm is when someone intentionally harms their own body without the intention of suicide. Also called self-injury, it can take different forms. Cutting, hitting and burning are a few examples. Experts believe that people self-harm to cope with strong emotions.
Why do people do it?
People who have been abused, experienced trauma or neglect have the highest risk for self-injury behaviors. But people without those experiences can self-harm, as well. Self-harming is an unhealthy way to deal with emotional pain. The act of harming provides the person with a feeling of relief from the strong emotions.
Is self-harm a mental illness?
Self-harm is not a mental illness. However, it is related to some mental health conditions such as anxiety, borderline personality disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although self-harm is typically not intended as a suicide attempt, people who harm themselves may be at increased risk for suicidal thinking.
How common is it?
College students and teens are at the highest risk for self-harm. Studies show that college students have rates between 17 and 35% (this means that 17-35 students out of 100 are self-harming in some way). Teen rates are lower, but still alarming at 15%. Compare this to only 4% for U.S. adults.
Warning signs of self-harm
- Frequently reporting accidents or injuries
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts or long pants when it’s hot out (to cover marks or injuries)
- Impulsive, unpredictable or unstable behaviors or moods
- Keeping sharp things with them, such as razor blades
- Saying they feel helpless, worthless or like there’s no hope
What can I do?
- For my child? If your child tells you they are self-harming, it is important to take them seriously and to seek professional support. You can speak with your child’s doctor for a referral to a mental health professional.
- For my adult friend or family member? If you suspect someone is self-harming (see signs above), learn about self-harm so you are informed. Be available to really listen to them. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional.
- For myself? If you are self-harming, know that you have the ability stop and help is available. Reaching out to a trusted family member or friend is a good first step. With their support, you can research different ways of coping. Or you can talk with a mental health professional. They can provide support and help you get treatment if needed.
Self-harm involves hurting oneself on purpose. People do it for relief from stress and strong emotions. If you or someone you know is self-harming, know that it is treatable. Finding different ways to cope or working with a mental health professional can help stop the behavior.
If you or a loved one are in crisis and need immediate support, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time, 24/7. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Self-injury/cutting. Opens in a new window April 6, 2023.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Self-harm. Accessed May 3, 2024.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Adolescent Self-Harm. Opens in a new windowAccessed May 3, 2024.
Mental Health America. Self-injury (cutting, self-harm or self-mutilation). Opens in a new window Accessed May 3, 2024.
Nemours Kids Health. Helping teens who self-harm. Opens in a new windowJune 22, 2024.
.svg){kind=small}