Self-injury is behavior in which people deliberately harm their own bodies in some way to cope with overwhelming emotions. Self-injury frequently is an impulsive act. You may become upset and spontaneously seek a way to hurt yourself, recklessly doing damage to your body. Other times, self-injury may be inflicted in a controlled, methodical manner. You may even plan it in advance, taking steps to avoid detection and to prevent infections.
Self-injury isn't the same as injury that arises from culturally sanctioned practices in some parts of the world, including scarring, piercing and tattooing, which historically have been considered forms of self-mutilation. Self-injury is distinguished from such practices by the emotional intent behind it — it's an unhealthy coping method for overwhelming feelings.
Self-injury also isn't the same as a suicide attempt. For instance, someone may try to harm himself or herself by taking an overdose of medication, but stop short of taking a lethal dose. In self-injury, the intent isn't to die, but to inflict bodily harm. However, self-injury can accidentally result in suicide.
Types of self-injurySelf-injury is most commonly associated with cutting, which involves making cuts or scratches on your body. Cutting can be done with any sharp object, including knives, needles, razor blades or even fingernails.
Most frequently, the arms, legs and front of the torso are the targets of self-injury because these areas can be easily reached and easily hidden under clothing. But any area of the body may be subjected to self-injury.
Some people don't feel pain while they're hurting themselves, even when creating deep cuts. Others do find self-injury painful but welcome the pain as a punishment or as a distraction from emotional turmoil.
There are many types of self-injury besides cutting, and someone may engage in one or more of them. Other types of self-injury include:
Burning
Poisoning or overdosing
Scratching
Carving words or symbols on the skin
Breaking bones
Hitting or punching
Piercing the skin with sharp objects
Head banging
Pulling out hair
Interfering with wound healing
Pinching
Biting
Some experts consider overexercising a form of self-injury, as well as stopping medication in an attempt to cause harm to yourself.
Self-injury isn't the same as injury that arises from culturally sanctioned practices in some parts of the world, including scarring, piercing and tattooing, which historically have been considered forms of self-mutilation. Self-injury is distinguished from such practices by the emotional intent behind it — it's an unhealthy coping method for overwhelming feelings.
Self-injury also isn't the same as a suicide attempt. For instance, someone may try to harm himself or herself by taking an overdose of medication, but stop short of taking a lethal dose. In self-injury, the intent isn't to die, but to inflict bodily harm. However, self-injury can accidentally result in suicide.
Types of self-injurySelf-injury is most commonly associated with cutting, which involves making cuts or scratches on your body. Cutting can be done with any sharp object, including knives, needles, razor blades or even fingernails.
Most frequently, the arms, legs and front of the torso are the targets of self-injury because these areas can be easily reached and easily hidden under clothing. But any area of the body may be subjected to self-injury.
Some people don't feel pain while they're hurting themselves, even when creating deep cuts. Others do find self-injury painful but welcome the pain as a punishment or as a distraction from emotional turmoil.
There are many types of self-injury besides cutting, and someone may engage in one or more of them. Other types of self-injury include:
Burning
Poisoning or overdosing
Scratching
Carving words or symbols on the skin
Breaking bones
Hitting or punching
Piercing the skin with sharp objects
Head banging
Pulling out hair
Interfering with wound healing
Pinching
Biting
Some experts consider overexercising a form of self-injury, as well as stopping medication in an attempt to cause harm to yourself.
[Link: Mayo Clinic]
2 comments:
Well said. When my parents first found out I self harmed they thought it was a sui attempt. There is such a difference between the two. For me SH is almost life sustaining as it helps me deal (if badly) with the issues and prevent attempts. Hannah X
Hi Hannah, I think that would be any parents natural response and its only with time & knowledge they can perhaps understand. It can be a time of confusion, hurt, anger for them as there is no 'right' response and often not a situation they can talk with their own friends about. It is hard to understand/watch/deal with a child (friend, sibling, partner) intentionally hurt themselves.
It is why family therapy can play an important part of recovery. When SH is seen in the context of a coping mechanism, a way to relieve emotional pain, then with time one can learn more 'effective' ways to cope.
You point that it is life sustaining, is one that many will relate to. Thanks for your input and honesty Hannah...Love Abz
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