Self-Harm

Self-Harm (also called Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, or NSSI) involves intentionally injuring one’s own body without the intent to end one’s life. Common methods include cutting, burning, or hitting oneself.

Key Points:

• Motivations: Coping with emotional distress, expressing pain, self-punishment, or feeling a sense of control over overwhelming emotions.
• Risk Factors: Childhood trauma, bullying, perfectionism, mental health disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder, depression).
• Warning Signs: Unexplained wounds, wearing long sleeves even in hot weather, withdrawal, mood swings.
• Treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), safety planning, addressing underlying mental health conditions, and building distress tolerance skills.