What is it?
Self-harm is the intentional act of causing injury to oneself, often as a way to manage intense emotions or cope with psychological distress. It is important to understand that self-harm is a signal of emotional pain, not a desire to end one’s life. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it’s classified as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), meaning these actions are typically not intended to be life-threatening.
People who self-harm may engage in behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting objects, among others. These actions are often ways to release or numb overwhelming feelings, and while they are concerning, they do not mean that someone is hopeless. With the right support, individuals who self-harm can find healthier ways to manage their emotions and move toward healing. Compassionate care and understanding are essential in helping them through this challenging experience.
Physical Symptoms
Psychological Symptoms
What is a risk factor
A risk factor is a characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder, such as self harm. Risk factors can be biological, psychological, or environmental. They do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition, but they can contribute to the possibility of its occurrence.
Risk factors for self harm
Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. Seeking help at the earliest sign of symptoms can prevent long-term health problems.
Self Harm
What is it?
Self-harm is the intentional act of causing injury to oneself, often as a way to manage intense emotions or cope with psychological distress. It is important to understand that self-harm is a signal of emotional pain, not a desire to end one’s life. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it’s classified as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), meaning these actions are typically not intended to be life-threatening.
People who self-harm may engage in behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting objects, among others. These actions are often ways to release or numb overwhelming feelings, and while they are concerning, they do not mean that someone is hopeless. With the right support, individuals who self-harm can find healthier ways to manage their emotions and move toward healing. Compassionate care and understanding are essential in helping them through this challenging experience.
Symptoms
Physical symptoms of
Self Harm
Psychological symptoms of
Self Harm
Risk factors
What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is a characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health disorder, such as self harm. Risk factors can be biological, psychological, or environmental. They do not guarantee that a person will develop the condition, but they can contribute to the possibility of its occurrence.
Risk factors for self harm
Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the likelihood of recovery. Seeking help at the earliest sign of symptoms can prevent long-term health problems.