When feelings of intense sadness, anger or stress get the better of us, it’s human nature to seek relief from our pain — even if it hurts us.
Self-harm, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury, refers to deliberately injuring yourself without suicidal intent. People use self-harm as a “release valve” to externalize the emotional pain that overwhelms them on the inside. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about seeking attention. People who self-harm tend to make a great effort to hide their actions.
The most common self-harm behaviors include head banging and skin cutting, burning or biting. Other forms of self-injury include punching objects or oneself, scratching the skin to draw blood or ingesting toxic substances. Even if a person has no intention of endangering their own life, their self-inflicted injuries can be serious enough to be life-threatening. For that reason, it’s critical to recognize the warning signs and find help for those who engage in it by calling our self-harm hotline.
Understanding Self-Harm as a Coping Mechanism
People use self-harm to ease their psychological pain by turning it into physical pain instead. Their injuries can serve as either an outward cry for help or a way to redirect their emotions inward as a form of self-punishment.
Although self-harm can improve a person’s mood by giving them a sense of control over their distress, the effects are always temporary. Negative feelings will return once the pain subsides, often making the person feel even worse than before.
Without proper treatment, this self-destructive cycle leads to shame and secrecy, which is why it’s so important to shed light on why self-harm happens and how to support those who do it by calling one of our self-harm numbers today.
The Connection Between Self-Harm and Underlying Mental Health Issues
Studies show that 5% of adults engage in self-injury, but that figure jumps to around 15% among adolescents and up to 35% among college students.
People who struggle with depressive mood disorder or attention-related problems are at increased risk of using self-harm as a coping mechanism. However, anyone’s mental health — and their ability to cope in healthy ways — can be negatively affected by traumatic life circumstances.
Here are some examples of distressing situations that can lead someone to self-harm:
- Loneliness or isolation
- A painful breakup, romantic rejection or divorce
- Illness or death of a loved one
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Bullying or discrimination
- Stressful life changes, like moving, starting a new job or going to a new school
Our self-harm line is available 24/7, so call today.
Recognizing Signs of Self-Harm
Spotting the signs of self-harm can be challenging because people often go to great lengths to hide their wounds. However, identifying the problem is a crucial step in getting someone the help and support they need. If you suspect someone you care about is self-harming, contact our self-harm crisis line or text hotline for cutting.
Look out for:
- Unexplained cuts, bruises or scratches without a logical explanation. These injuries usually appear in places easily concealed by clothing, like the upper arms, wrists or thighs.
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather, like long sleeves or pants on hot days.
- A cluster or pattern of scabs, scars or multiple burns of similar size in the same area.
- Excuses or blaming accidents for new injuries. People who self-harm might claim to be “accident prone” or always have new excuses for why they’re hurt. Avoiding questions about their wounds, acting embarrassed or changing the subject can be another sign that someone is hiding self-harm.
- Sharp objects like knives, razors or broken glass in their possession, especially if they have no apparent use for them. You might also see bloodstained clothing or tissues in their living space.
- Excessive alone time. A person who self-harms may withdraw from social activities they previously enjoyed to hide their injuries or conceal the emotional turmoil they’re experiencing. They might also spend an unusually long time in the bedroom, bathroom or other private spaces that allow for secrecy.
- A preoccupation with pain, self-punishment or self-destructive behaviors. Someone who self-harms may express fascination with these topics or drop hints here and there.
- Low self-esteem. Keep an eye out for someone who feels hopeless, helpless or worthless or who’s functioning poorly at home, work or school.
Seeking Help and Support for Recovery Through Our Self-Harm Hotline
If you suspect someone you care about is engaging in self-harming behaviors, it’s crucial to offer support and encourage them to seek professional help. Our self-harm help line partners with renowned mental health care providers all over the country to offer support as they navigate their journey toward healing. Your empathy, compassion and understanding can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling, so reach out today.