Self-harm (also known as self-injury) is defined as purposeful injury inflicted upon oneself without the intention of suicide.* More common among females than males, self-harm is used as a “coping method” that can provide a sense of temporary relief from intense emotions or a way to “feel something” when emotionally numb. Self-harm might also enable people to feel they have control over their bodies when other parts of their lives are out of control. Self-punishment for a perceived wrongdoing can be another motivation for self-harm.
Self-harm most often begins in the teenage years—a developmental period where stress often increases and emotional, physical and mental changes can feel overwhelming—with 13 being the average age of onset. According to research, approximately 17% of adolescents have reported some form of self-harm, while college students have reported rates between 17-35% and adults have reported 5%.
Self-harm can take the form of cutting, burning, scratching, “carving” words/symbols into the body, piercing the skin with sharp objects, head banging, etc. Some warning signs of self-harm include:
- Hiding one’s body with long shirts or pants even in warm weather
- Frequent unexplained injuries
- Emotional and behavioral instability
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Scarring
- Having sharp objects readily available
- Poor functioning at school, home, work, socially, etc.
While self-harm isn’t intended to be lethal, people who self-harm are at higher risk of suicide* if they don’t seek help. If you recognize the signs of self-harm in someone else, here are some ways you can intervene:
- Let the person know you will be a supportive listener while they express their feelings.
- Encourage the person to delay any self-harm behaviors and get busy doing something else instead (listening to music, journaling, moving their body, etc.). Often the urge to self-harm will decrease as time passes.
- Offer to help the person with breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to calm the body and mind.
- Share resources such as the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor), the Ohio CareLine (call 1.800.720.9616) or local counseling centers, such as Travco Behavioral Health.
* If you know someone struggling with thoughts of suicide, this should always be taken seriously. Help the person call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), where they’ll be directed to a local, trained crisis worker. Or you can accompany the person to the nearest emergency room where they’ll be assessed by a trained mental health clinician.
If you are struggling with self-harm (or other dangerous self-destructive behaviors), Travco can help. Call us today at 330.286.0050!
