Self-Injury

What is self-injury?

What is self-injurio us behavior?

Why does it make people feel better?

What to do if you or someone you know self-injures

What is self-injury?

Self-injury is the act of attempting to alter a mood by inflicting physical harm that is serious enough to cause tissue damage to the body.

It is known by many names: self-inflicted violence, self-harm, parasuicide, self-abuse, and self-mutilation. While many people view self-injury as a failed suicide attempt, it is actually a coping mechanism to stay alive.

It is known that about 1% of North Americans self-injure. These people come from all walks of life. People can be male or female, rich or poor, a high school student or a lawyer. Self-injurious behavior can occur at any time over the lifespan.

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What is a self-injurious behavior?

There are several forms of self-injurious behavior, some more severe than others.

Some examples are:

• Cutting
• Burning
• Head-banging
• Scratching
• Biting
• Picking skin or pulling hair
• Hitting
• Bruising
• Marking

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Why does it make people feel better?

Self-injury can sometimes reduce physiological and psychological tension very quickly.

When feeling overwhelmed the act of harming oneself brings the emotional arousal back to a bearable level therefore, reducing the emotional discomfort.

Some people also use self-injury because they have never had the opportunity to learn effective coping. They may have been taught that certain feelings were unacceptable or bad. In some homes, they may have been abused for expressing certain thoughts or feelings. Without positive role models someone may choose harmful forms of coping as a source for emotional release.

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What to do if you or someone you know self-injures.

People who self-injure might feel misunderstood, unsupported, shame, or stigmatized.

Despite some of the perceptions that friends, family, or professionals might have, there is help available. In Vancouver there is a program called SAFE BC (604-669-6552) that provides support services and education.

As well, there are many websites that offer information, support and tools for coping. Some examples of sites are: www.focusas.com and www.cmha.ca

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