Self-harm, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury, self-mutilation or self-abuse, involves deliberately inflicting physical harm on oneself in an attempt to cope with emotional distress. Individuals who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury do not usually have the aim of ending their life. However, they may be prone to suicidal thoughts and behaviors due to shared underlying causes.
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is the deliberate action of causing physical harm to oneself and is a very dangerous sign of emotional distress. Adolescents are at the highest risk for self-injury as many studies state that roughly 15% of teenagers and 17-35% of college students have inflicted harmful behaviors on themselves. The individual gains a superficial sense of emotional and mental relief after the harmful act is completed, followed by feelings of shame or guilt, resulting in even more negative emotions until this cycle continues.
Examples of self-injury include:
- Skin cutting
- Skin carving
- Extreme scratching (to the point of drawing blood)
- Extreme skin picking
- Deliberate interference with wound healing
- Hair pulling
- Burning oneself
- Punching or hitting oneself, walls or objects
- Ingesting toxic chemicals
- Inserting foreign objects into body openings
Why do individuals engage in self-harm?
Studies have shown that there are several reasons why individuals engage in self-harm behavior, including but not limited to:
- Trying to relieve severe emotional distress
- Trying to reduce negative emotions
- Trying to quiet intrusive thoughts
- Trying to feel “something” besides numbness or emptiness
- Trying to feel in control
Self-Harm and Suicide Risk Factors
Despite the different intentions associated with self-injury and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, it is important to note that they share common characteristics such as:
- History of trauma, abuse, or chronic stress
- High emotional perception and sensitivity
- Few effective mechanisms for dealing with emotional stress
- Feelings of isolation (this can be true even for people who seem to have many friends/connections)
- History of alcohol or substance abuse
- Presence of depression or anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness
The presence of self-injury is, in and of itself, a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Nonsuicidal self-injury is typically used as a coping strategy for preserving and enhancing life rather than ending one’s life. However, since self-harm and suicide both indicate underlying distress, it is important to assess whether self-injurious individuals are also suicidal and provide the necessary treatment for individuals in both of these categories.
What is the difference between self-harm and suicide?
Since suicide and self-harm both involve inflictions of pain, they often get grouped together under the same subject. Although it sometimes is true that individuals who engage in self-harm may later commit suicide, generally individuals who engage in self-harm do not wish to end their life but rather cope with their life. Individuals who attempt suicide do so with the intent to end their life due to their suffering.
The most significant difference between suicide and self-harm is the intent. Individuals who are suicidal are experiencing severe life stressors and/or mental health disorders that are causing unbearable pain and suicide is their way to end this pain. Suicide attempts usually come from a place of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness. On the contrary, individuals who engage in self-harm do so as a way to cope with their triggers, feelings and stressors.
For some, the pain from self-injury reassures them that they are still in fact, alive especially when they are experiencing emotional numbness or a disconnect from the world. The physical act of cutting or burning induces pain receptors in the body that triggers the brain to feel an adrenaline “rush” which can easily become addictive and highly dangerous. There are unfortunate instances when someone takes self-harm too far, resulting in severe injury and even death.
Treatment Can Help
If you or a loved one are struggling with self-harm behaviors, it is critical to seek guidance and treatment from qualified professionals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our caring counselors today. At Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, we offer compassionate support and personalized solutions for each patient.
For over 25 years, we’ve helped thousands of people recover using evidence-based treatment modalities and a nurturing aftercare program. You’re never alone on your journey to well-being when you’re with us. Plus, once you complete treatment, you’ll have free access to Discovery365™, our exclusive AI-powered app that uses breakthrough technology to intervene when you need extra support.
Believe it or not, you’ve always had the power within yourself to overcome life’s challenges. DMA is here to help you learn how to lead a more authentic life. Contact us today.