Non-suicidal Self-Injury

Self-harming behaviour is referred to clinically as “non-suicidal self-injury” (NSSI), which will be used interchangeably with “Self-Injury” in this section. Self-injury means that someone hurts themselves on purpose but doesn’t intend to end their life. Common acts of self-injury include cutting skin, burning skin, hitting yourself to the point of injury, and preventing wounds from healing. Self-injury itself isn’t a mental health condition but may be a sign that someone needs care and support. In some cases, self-injury can be a sign of a mental health problem. People self-injure themselves for many different reasons. Some people self-injure: 

  • To cope with anxiety or depression 
  • To cope with loss, trauma, violence, or other difficult situations 
  • To ‘punish’ themselves 
  • To turn emotional pain into physical pain 
  • To feel ‘real’ and counter feelings of emptiness or numbness 
  • To feel euphoria 
  • To regain control of their bodies 
  • To simply feel better 

People who self-injure are not trying to end their lives, but they can experience those thoughts. When they self-injure, they are trying to cope with difficult or overwhelming thoughts or feelings. 

Warning Signs 

People who self-injure often hide the behaviour. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed, and they may avoid talking about it. Warning signs include: 

  • Unexplained frequent injuries, such as cuts and burns 
  • Unexplained scars 
  • Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts all the time, even in warm weather 
  • Low self-esteem 
  • Problems handling emotions 
  • Problems with relationships 

Who does it affect? 

Self-injury can affect anyone, but it’s more common during the teenage years and among females. Self-injury is also more likely to affect people who have experienced stressful or traumatic life events, people who have a hard time coping with their feelings, and people who experience low self-esteem. 

Counselling and support 

If self-injury isn’t related to a mental health condition, it’s still best to talk with a mental health professional or a school counsellor. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing