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Self-harm is a coping mechanism used by individuals to express feelings that they cannot put into words, to distract from life events, or to release emotional pain. Immediately after the individual usually feels better, but the feelings or reasoning behind the actions returns from lack of a long term resolution, and the want or need to self-harm is present once again.

 

Myths of Self-Harm

Self-harm is not used to get attention, individuals who self-harm usually do so in secret, and can cause shame or fear around possibly being discovered.

Individuals who self-harm are not crazy or dangerous, many people who self-harm suffer from anxiety, depression, or previous/ongoing trauma.

Individuals who self-harm do not want to die. It is when self-harm goes untreated in the long term that individuals are at much higher risk of suicide.

 

Symptoms of Self-Harm

• Cutting or severely scratching skin

• Burning or scalding one’s self

• Hitting or banging head intentionally

• Punching things, throwing one’s body against walls or hard objects

• Sticking things into skin

• Intentionally preventing wounds from healing

• Swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects

• Driving recklessly

• Binge drinking

• Taking too many drugs

• Having unsafe sex

 

Warming signs of Self-Harm

• Unexplained wounds or scars, usually on the wrists, arms, thighs, or chest

• Blood stains on clothing, towels, bedding, or blood soaked tissues

• Sharp objects or cutting instruments such as razors, knives, needles, pins, glass shards, bottle caps in the person’s belongings

• Frequent accidents, with a claim that being clumsy has caused them

• Covering up, such as wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather

• Needing to be alone for long periods of time, especially in the bedroom or bathroom

• Isolation and irritability

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Visit our Classroom Warning Signs for recognizing self-harm within the classroom setting.

 

Additional Resources:

• Mental Health America

• Self Abuse Finally Ends: SAFE Alternative

• Self-injury Outreach & Support (SIOS)

• Mayo-Clinic