Understanding Self-Harm

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when a person inflicts pain to/on their body purposefully. Self-harm is also called non-suicidal self-injury. Self-harm can take many different forms. Self-harm is not a suicide attempt; it is a way for a person to cope with strong emotions they are feeling. Self-harm may appear as: cutting an area of the body, burning an area of the body, biting an area of the body, pulling their hair, hitting or punching themselves, hitting their body on another object, pinching an area of the body, stabbing an area of the body with a sharp object, forcing themselves to throw up, scratching or rubbing an area of the body, ripping their skin, using a sharp object to carve a word or object into the skin, and more.

Signs and Symptoms

A person who is struggling with self-harm may exhibit the following:

  • scars on the body from bites, burns, cuts, or bruises (often in patterns)

  • keeping sharp/self-harming items close to/on their person

  • wearing multiple bracelets to cover their arms

  • wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather

  • excessive rubbing of an area

  • having friends who self-harm

  • experiencing difficult life circumstances

  • being secretive

  • avoiding scenarios where the person would have to expose the part of their body where they self-harmed

  • experiencing any other mental health struggles in their life

How to Talk to Teens about Self-Harm

When talking to a teen about self-harm, it’s important to be gentle in your words and actions. It may be difficult for the teen to talk about self-harm. The adult can ask the youth questions to try to understand the youth’s experience and emotions surrounding the self-harm. The adult can let the youth know that they are there for them and they still love them amidst whatever the youth is experiencing. Youth can experience a lot of shame surrounding self-harm, so it is helpful for the adult to affirm their love and care for the teen. 

If a teen is struggling with self-harm, it’s important to ask the youth if they’ve cleaned their wounds. If a teen does not take proper care of their wounds, it can lead to infection. If the wound is severe (where a cut is very deep or a burn is extreme), it may be needed to seek medical care. 

If an adult thinks they see warning signs of self-harm, they should not assume a youth is self-harming before a conversation is had. Do not assume just because the youth is self-harming that they are struggling with depression. Many other mental health conditions can cause strong emotions which can lead a teen to self-harm. 

It’s also important for adults to try to control their emotions for the moment, to be fully present with the youth. If the teen is not already in therapy, it is highly advised and recommended for the teen to be put in therapy. If an adult is having a difficult time coping with the emotions of their teen struggling with self-harm, it is highly recommended they seek out therapy for themselves. 

Useful Resources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

  • Phone Number: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov

  • Services: SAMHSA offers resources on mental health and substance use disorders, including treatment referrals and information on prevention and recovery. Their National Helpline provides 24/7 confidential support in English and Spanish

    SAMHSA

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2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • Phone Number: 1-800-950-6264

  • Website: https://www.nami.org

  • Services: NAMI offers education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. They provide resources on various mental health topics, including self-harm, and have a HelpLine available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET

    NAMI

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3. Crisis Text Line

  • Text: HOME to 741741

  • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

  • Services: This 24/7 service connects individuals in crisis with trained counselors via text message. It's a free and confidential resource for immediate support.

4. Young Minds

  • Phone Number: +44 20 7089 5050 (UK-based)

  • Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk

  • Services: Young Minds focuses on youth mental health, providing resources, support, and advocacy. They offer information on self-harm and other mental health issues affecting young people.

5. American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Phone Number: 1-800-374-2721

  • Website: https://www.apa.org

  • Services: APA provides resources on mental health, including articles and research on self-harm. They also offer a Psychologist Locator to find licensed psychologists in your area.

6. Help4WV

  • Phone Number: 1-844-435-7498

  • Website: https://www.help4wv.com

  • Services: Help4WV offers support and resources for individuals in West Virginia dealing with mental health and substance use issues. They provide a 24/7 helpline for immediate assistance.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Phone Number: 1-800-232-4636

  • Website: https://www.cdc.gov

  • Services: The CDC offers information and research on self-harm and suicide prevention, including data and resources for public health professionals and the general public.

8. HealthyPlace

  • Website: https://www.healthyplace.com

  • Services: HealthyPlace provides information on mental health conditions, including self-harm, and offers support and resources for individuals and families.

9. Mental Health America (MHA)

  • Phone Number: 1-800-969-6642

  • Website: https://www.mhanational.org

  • Services: MHA offers resources on mental health conditions, including self-harm, and provides support and advocacy for individuals and families.

If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, these organizations can provide support and resources. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are people ready to support you through this challenging time.

Rebecca White