Self-Harm
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Understanding Self Harm
Self-harm involves intentionally injuring one's own body, often to cope with overwhelming emotions
What is Self Harm?
Self harm is intentionally injuring one’s own body. The most common form is cutting. Other methods include burning, scratching, ingesting, piercing, banging or interfering with wound healing.
Who is most at risk? Up to 60% of those engaging in self-harm are female. Self-harming behavior typically begins between the ages of 14-24 and can progress well into adulthood.
Why do people do it? For some, self-harm allows for a physical expression of overwhelming internal emotions. For others, it serves to temporarily relieve stress and anxiety caused by these emotions. The biological effects of self-harm and its ability to create a short-term mood boost make it a very difficult behavior to stop.
Is it linked to mental illness? Self-harm is sometimes associated with depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior. Some individuals who self-harm have trouble controlling their impulses or take unnecessary risks which can also be a sign of mental health problems.
Want to learn more or need help? Below you can:
- Download or order a copy of our Understanding Self Harm brochure
- Read articles from our experts
- Find care for self harm
How Pine Rest Can Help
For immediate 24/7 help, call our hospital Contact Center at 800.678.5500. To schedule a new outpatient appointment, call 616.258.7500 or 866.852.4001.
Understanding Self Harm Brochure
Tip & Info From Our Experts
Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding Self-harm and Suicidal Thoughts
Understanding behaviors such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts is the first step toward offering support to your friend or family member with BPD.
A Deeper Look Into Borderline Personality Disorder
Learn about the complexities of BPD, a challenging condition that impacts close to two percent of the world population (about 140 million people).
Putting a HALT to our Self-Destructive Behaviors
How do we HALT self-destructive behaviors? By learning to take care of ourselves. The HALT acronym can remind us to slow down and routinely monitor and take care of four aspects of our lives – Hunger/Hurt, Anger, Loneliness, Tiredness.
Understanding Self-Harm
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