Non-suicidal self-injury means that a person injures themself on purpose. Self-injury can include cutting, scratching, and biting the skin until it bleeds. Some people may burn their skin with something hot or punch their bodies. Or they may hit their heads against something hard, such as a wall.
There are many reasons people self-injure. For example, some may do it because they have a hard time with managing emotions like anger or sadness. Or they may do it to relieve stress or anxiety. It's common for a person to hide their injuries.
People who self-injure don’t do it to die. But sometimes they may also be thinking about suicide.
A sign of non-suicidal self-injury is injuries that seem unusual. These include multiple cuts or deep scratches on a child's arms, legs, or stomach. Another sign is odd blood stains on clothing. A child may cover injuries with long sleeves and bandages. A child may also avoid activities that need less clothing, like swimming.
Self-injury is treated with counseling. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common types of counseling for self-injury. Medicines are sometimes used with counseling. Ask your doctor about the different types of treatment. Then you can decide together about what might work best.
To assess, the doctor may ask how often the injuries happen and if they bleed, bruise, or cause pain. And the doctor may ask how self-injuring makes your child feel. The doctor also may ask questions to find out if your child has other health conditions, like depression.
First, find a counselor that you trust. Then work together to make a plan to keep you safe. A counselor can help you find healthy ways to manage emotions. For example, you may learn that deep breathing calms you. Try joining a support group. Consider asking for support from trusted friends and family members.
You can look for things that make self-injury more likely. Children may be at risk if they:
Non-suicidal self-injury means that a person injures themself on purpose. For example, they may cut, scratch, or bite their skin until it bleeds. Self-injury is serious. So it’s important to seek help from a health professional. People who self-injure don’t do it to die. But some may also be thinking about suicide.
It's tough to have a friend who self-injures, or hurts themself on purpose. You may feel worried about your friend. And you may be wondering what to do. You can't stop your friend from self-injuring, but you can be there for them.
Here are some ways to support your friend.
Your friend can talk to an adult they trust, such as a counselor, a parent, or a faith leader. If this is too hard for your friend, you can offer to talk to someone for them.
Self-injury is serious. Sometimes people who self-injure may also be thinking about suicide. So it's important to let someone know. This is to keep your friend safe.
If your friend wants to talk, do so in a place that's safe and private. If you feel upset, first take some time to calm yourself. If it feels right, ask some questions. And listen closely to the answers. This can help your friend feel better understood.
When you're together, focus on your friend and not the self-injury. Have fun together. Do the things you like to do. For example, listen to music, go for walks, dance, or play a game.
It's not easy to have a friend who hurts themself. If you're feeling worn-out, it's okay to take short breaks from your friend now and then. And you may want to talk to someone, like a counselor.
One resource you could try is the Self-injury Outreach and Support website. Go to sioutreach.org to learn more. The site has personal stories, videos, and other tips on how to help a friend.
If it's an emergency, call 911.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
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