Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Self-injury/cutting – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950

  Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress. […] There’s no one single or simple cause that leads someone to self-injure. In general, self-injury may result from: […] Poor coping skills. Nonsuicidal self-injury is usually the result of an inability to cope in healthy ways with stress and emotional pain. […] Difficulty managing emotions. Having a hard time controlling, expressing or understanding emotions may lead to self-injury. The mix of emotions that triggers self-injury is complex. For example, there may be feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection and self-hatred.

• #1 Self-injury (Cutting, Self-Harm or Self-Mutilation) | Mental Health America

  https://mhanational.org/conditions/self-injury-cutting-self-harm-or-self-mutilation/

  Self-injury, also known as self-harm, self-mutilation, or self-abuse—occurs when someone repeatedly harms themselves on purpose in a way that is impulsive and not intended to be lethal. […] People who self-injure commonly report they feel empty inside, over or under stimulated, unable to express their feelings, lonely, not understood by others, and/or fearful of intimate relationships and adult responsibilities. Self-injury is their way to cope with or relieve painful or hard-to-express feelings and is generally not a suicide attempt. The relief that self-injury brings is temporary, and destructive cycle often develops without proper treatment. Self-injury can also be a way for people to have control over their bodies when they have little or no control over other parts of their lives. […] People may engage in self-injury to distract themselves from negative feelings, express emotions they might be embarrassed to show, develop a sense of control over their lives, process the way they are feeling, or punish themselves for things they think they have done wrong.

• #1 6 Reasons Why People Self-Injure

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/reasons-people-self-injure

  People may harm themselves to cope with or temporarily alleviate distressing feelings or situations. Self-injury for these individuals may cause relief or feelings of calm. Additionally, people report that they engage in self-harm as a form of self-punishment. Overall, self-harm is common among people who struggle with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, negative emotionality, and self-criticism. […] Self-injury, which is often diagnosed as Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (DSM-5), is caused and influenced by many different intersecting factors. […] Some psychological reasons for self-injury include: Coping with emotional pain, Gaining a sense of control, Inducing a positive feeling, such as calm or relief, Self-punishing or expressing self-anger. […] Some social reasons behind self-harm include: Desiring to influence others, Producing a physical sign of emotional distress, Seeking help.

• #1 Self-Harm: What It Is, Causes, Types & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12201-self-harm

  It’s hard to say exactly what causes a person to self-harm. But certain mental health conditions are linked to self-injury, including: Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Depression, Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders, like conduct disorder and intermittent explosive disorder, Dissociative disorders, especially dissociative identity disorder and dissociative amnesia, Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sleep disorders, Substance use conditions and disorders, including alcohol intoxication, alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder. […] Risks for nonsuicidal self-injury include: Abuse or trauma. Self-harm is more common among people with a history of trauma or abuse (including childhood abuse or other adverse events).

• #1 Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: What We Know, and What We Need to Know

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4244874/

  Many have implicated CSA as a primary cause of NSSI, referring to NSSI as a result, manifestation, or even a re-enactment of CSA; but meta-analytic data show that child sexual abuse and NSSI have only a modest association. […] It has become clear that NSSI is infrequently attention-seeking. Instead, NSSI is most often performed in private as a way to quickly alleviate intense negative emotions.

• #1 Cutting and self-mutilation | EBSCO Research StartersEBSCO, research databases, ebooks, discovery service

  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/cutting-and-self-mutilation

  Cutting and self-mutilation, commonly referred to as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), involve individuals intentionally harming their own bodies. This behavior typically begins in adolescence and can manifest through various forms such as cutting, burning, or hair pulling. […] Individuals who self-injure often have histories of trauma or abuse and may experience associated mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. […] The motivations behind self-injury can vary significantly; some individuals use it as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions, while others may seek a sense of control or relief from emotional pain. […] Persons who self-injure commonly have a history of abuse, including sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. Self-injury is often associated with other mental health problems, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorders, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorders, panic disorder, and phobias.

• #1 Self-Harm and Trauma – PTSD: National Center for PTSD

  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/self_harm.asp

  People may hurt themselves and this can take many forms. Self-harm includes self-abuse, cutting and other behaviors. If you self-harm, you are more likely to have PTSD. […] Self-harm is most often related to going through trauma in childhood rather than as an adult. […] Those who self-harm very often have a history of childhood sexual or physical abuse. They may have experienced emotional neglect, been separated from their caregivers, or had weak or unstable bonds with those caregivers. Some research has looked at whether certain aspects of childhood sexual abuse increase the risk that survivors will engage in self-harm as adults. The findings show that more severe, more frequent, or longer-lasting sexual abuse is linked to an increased risk of engaging in self-harm in one’s adult years. […] Those who self-harm appear to have higher rates of PTSD and other mental health problems.

• #1 Self-harm and self-injury | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/self-harm

  No one has to cope alone; self-harming behaviour is treatable. […] Whatever the reason, self-harm is normally a sign that a person is feeling intense emotional pain and distress. […] Stressors that may increase the risk of self-harm include: family breakdown or conflict, relationship difficulties, knowing others who self-harm, having a family history of self-harm, being bullied, school or work problems, alcohol and drug abuse, past trauma, neglect or abuse. […] Personal factors that may increase someones risk of self-harm include: a previous history of self-harm, experiencing aggression or violence, mental health conditions, low self-esteem, poor body image and self-hatred, physical illness or disability, impulsivity acting without thinking, poor coping skills, difficulties with problem solving.

• #1 Why people self-harm – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/why-people-self-harm/

  Self-harm may be linked to bad experiences that are happening now, or in the past. But sometimes the reason is unknown. […] Self-harm is most often described as a way to express or cope with emotional distress. […] There are many possible causes of emotional distress. It’s often a build-up of many smaller things that leads people to think about self-harm. […] Some examples include: being bullied, pressure at school or work, family arguments or relationship problems, money worries, low self-esteem, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, confusion about sexuality, grief after bereavement or loss, physical or sexual abuse, being in contact with the criminal justice system, experiencing complex mental health difficulties that sometimes cause impulsive behaviour or difficulty controlling emotions, often due to past trauma, living with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.

• #1 Self-Mutilation and Pharmacotherapy

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2993516/

  There are a number of ways to understand why someone would engage in such disturbing behaviors. It is generally acknowledged by patients and clinicians alike that self-mutilation may be a way, albeit maladaptive, to express or terminate emotional turmoil. […] Self-mutilation can also be seen as linked to impulse control on a number of levels. It has a pattern of urges to cut, tension or arousal before cutting, and momentary pleasure and relief of tension after the act, similar to what is seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder or addictions. […] Decreased serotonin levels have been linked specifically to the trait of impulsivity. There is strong evidence linking decreased serotonin levels with self-mutilation and disorders that often include self-mutilation. […] In addition to the neurotransmitter serotonin and impulsivity, the opiate pathway is also implicated in both the etiology and treatment of self-mutilation.

• #1 Cutting and self-mutilation | EBSCO Research StartersEBSCO, research databases, ebooks, discovery service

  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/cutting-and-self-mutilation

  There are many reasons for self-injury. One is using the behavior to provide a way to deal with overwhelming feelings, such as anger, extreme sadness, anxiety, depression, stress, sense of failure, self-hatred, or the helplessness of a trauma. […] Though research has not conclusively proven it, a prevalent theory is that self-injury leads to the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are chemicals found in the body that act as natural pain relievers and tranquilizers. Endorphin release produces a natural high that can temporarily mask emotional or physical pain. […] It is thought that some people self-injure to seek attention and to manipulate others. This is unlikely because most people who self-injure are ashamed of the injuries that they cause, and they will hide their self-inflicted injuries. […] In this context, self-harm is called self-injurious behavior (SIB) and can have a number of causes. Someone with autism, for example, may exhibit SIB as a result of biochemical imbalances, sensory issues, to distract from other sources of physical pain, or in response to social or environmental triggers.

• #1 Self-Mutilation and Pharmacotherapy

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2993516/

  One-half to two-thirds of borderline patients with self-mutilation experience little or no pain associated with these behaviors. It is hypothesized that there may be a habituation to high levels of endogenous opioids in childhood caused by recurrent exposure to physical and/or sexual abuse. […] There is at least one case report describing the remission of self-mutilation, albeit of a compulsive nature, through the use of a SSRI. […] There are a number of nonblind trials testing the possible role of the endogenous opiate (analgesic) system in self-mutilation through the administration of the opioid antagonist, naltrexone. […] Studies that specifically target the symptom of self-mutilation […] Studies should also further investigate new-generation antidepressants, naltrexone, clonidine, omega-3-fatty acids, atypical antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

• #1 Self-injury/cutting – Warning Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

  https://www.apollohospitals.com/corporate/diseases-and-conditions/self-injury-cutting-warning-signs-symptoms-and-treatment/

  Non-suicidal Self-injury/cutting is the term used to explain deliberately harming your own body, like cutting or burning yourself. It is done to cope with emotional traumas, anger, and frustration and it is usually not done with the intention of committing suicide. […] Various causes that may lead to self-injury/ cutting include mental health problems such as bipolar disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, difficulty expressing emotions, having feelings of rejection, self-hatred, worthlessness, confusion, and poor coping skills. […] Some factors that may lead to self-harm include age (usually teens and young adults), sex (generally females), trauma, confusion about sexuality, having friends who harm themselves, mental health issues, and drug or alcohol misuse. […] There are various underlying reasons why people practise self-harm.

• #1

  https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Self-Injury-In-Adolescents-073.aspx

  Self-injury is the act of deliberately harming body tissue, at times to change a way of feeling. […] The causes and severity of self-injury can vary. […] Some adolescents may self-mutilate to take risks, rebel, reject their parents’ values, state their individuality, or merely be accepted. Others may injure themselves out of desperation or anger to seek attention, to show their hopelessness and worthlessness, or because they have suicidal thoughts. These children may suffer from serious psychiatric problems such as depression, psychosis, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. Additionally, some adolescents who engage in self-injury may develop borderline personality disorder as adults. […] Self-injury is a complex behavior and symptom that results from a variety of factors. Adolescents who have difficulty talking about their feelings may show their emotional tension, physical discomfort, pain, and low self-esteem with self-injurious behaviors. […] The effects of peer pressure and contagion can also influence adolescents to injure themselves. […] Evaluation by a mental health professional may assist in identifying and treating the underlying causes of self-injury.

• #1 Self-Harm: What It Is, Causes, Types & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12201-self-harm

  Self-harm behaviors are most likely to start between ages 12 and 14. But it can start earlier. People who self-harm often continue to do so for years. Self-harm is common in young adults, especially people in college. […] People who belong to sexual minorities (meaning they aren’t heterosexual) have higher rates of self-harm. Experts believe the self-harm rates are higher because sexual minority individuals are more likely to face adverse life events. […] People who feel socially isolated or rejected, especially children and teenagers who experience bullying or social isolation for other reasons, have higher rates of self-harm. […] Self-harm can lead to feelings of shame, guilt or regret. You might worry about people noticing your injuries and go to great lengths to cover or hide injuries or scars. […] Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder doesn’t involve suicidal intent. But the risk of attempting or dying by suicide is much higher for people who self-harm.

• #1 Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: What We Know, and What We Need to Know

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4244874/

  For decades, knowledge about nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) was limited to only a small handful of empirical studies. […] It is crucial to establish accurate conceptual and clinical models of this behaviour. […] NSSI is especially common in people prone to self-directed negative emotions and self-criticism. […] NSSI most commonly functions to (temporarily) alleviate overwhelming negative emotion. […] Intense negative emotions precede NSSI, and the performance of NSSI results in reduced negative emotions as well as feelings of calm and relief. […] Slightly more than one-half of people report that they self-injure as a form of self-directed anger or self-punishment. […] Numerous studies have now demonstrated that NSSI does occur independently from a diagnosis of BPD, and that NSSI reflects clinically significant impairment regardless of whether BPD is also present.

• #1 Why people self-harm – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/why-people-self-harm/

  There is evidence of a clear link between suicide or suicidal thoughts and people who have previously self-harmed. […] However, not everyone who self-harms wants to end their life. Some people describe their self-harm as a way of staying alive by responding to or coping with severe emotional distress.

• #1 Self-Harm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  https://www.verywellmind.com/self-injury-and-cutting-1065420

  Self-harm is a complex condition that has no simple explanation. […] Most often self-harm is simply a mechanism for coping with emotional distress. People who select this emotional outlet may use it to express feelings, deal with feelings of unreality or numbness, stop flashbacks, punish themselves, or relieve tension. […] Self-injury is also associated with certain conditions including: Depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, Borderline personality disorder, PTSD, Eating disorders, Anxiety disorders, Alcohol and substance use. […] Self-injury indicates a lack of coping skills for dealing with severe emotional distress. People who self-harm may struggle to understand and manage their emotions. They also may not have the necessary skills to cope with stress and trauma in healthy ways. […] While suicide is not the intent of self-injury, self-harm has a strong association with suicide attempts. In one study of adolescents, 46% who had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury went on to attempt suicide before the age of 21.

• #1 The DSM-5 diagnosis of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: a review of the empirical literature | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Full Text

  https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-015-0062-7

  The relationship between NSSI and suicide attempts is complex and nuanced and there is general agreement that there is an overlap between nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury. […] Recent longitudinal research has found that NSSI predicts suicide attempts in adolescents and that the high co-occurrence between the two can be understood in the light of NSSI increasing the risk for suicidal behavior. […] Arguments have thus been put forward that nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury need to be differentiated on the basis of differences in intent, lethality, methods, prevalence, frequency and functions. […] Despite the fact that NSSI is prevalent and impairing in adolescents, it has not been given any psychopathological significance except as a symptom of BPD until DSM-5. […] Improved communication, more precise definition and clearer implications for prognosis and treatment are thus advocated, allowing NSSI to be highlighted and treated outside the BPD context.

• #1 Understanding Self-Injury in Teens | Newport Academy

  https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/self-injury/

  Self-harm or self-injury is not in itself a mental illness. Rather, it is an unhealthy coping mechanism for dealing with distress and anxiety, often as the result of an underlying mental health condition. […] Some experts believe that teens who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse are at higher risk. […] While it is not considered a method for suicide, self-harm in teens may be associated with an increased risk of suicide. […] In adolescents who repeatedly self-harm, the temporary calming effect of self-injury can stop working. Therefore, the distress and other negative emotions become overwhelming. […] Treatment for self-harm addresses the underlying mental health issues catalyzing the behavior. […] Treatment for self-harm and suicidal ideation at Newport addresses the root causes of the self-destructive behavior. Therefore, treatment for anxiety or depression may be necessary. […] Other underlying issues might include low self-esteem, dysfunctional family dynamics, trauma, or other mental health conditions, such as borderline personality disorder.

• #1 Self-injury/cutting – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950

  Self-injury may be an attempt to: […] Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety and provide a sense of relief. […] Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain. […] Feel a sense of control over the body, feelings or life situations. […] Feel something anything even if it’s physical pain, when feeling emotionally empty. […] Express internal feelings in an external way. […] Communicate feelings of stress or depression to the outside world. […] Punish oneself.

• #1 Revealing the Underlying Reasons and Psychology of Self-Harm

  https://www.abhmaryland.com/the-psychology-behind-self-harming/

  Self-harm is the practice of deliberately hurting oneself, usually through cutting, scratching, or burning, and it is an act that people commit in secret. […] People harm themselves in response to acute psychological stress. Generally speaking, those who commit this non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI, attempt to cope with intense shame, anxiety, and guilt. […] The purpose of self-harm is to feel better, not to end all feelings, and this is one of the ways it may differ from suicidal behavior. […] People frequently self-harm to: Cope with emotional stress, Exert control over their lives, Punish themselves for perceived flaws, Disrupt intrusive thoughts. […] Traumatic experiences from the past, including sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, create unresolved conflict that sometimes leads to self-harm. […] Growing up in a home with neglectful or emotionally immature parents can cause a person to self-harm. […] Their sense of worthlessness, loneliness, and self-hatred is so great that they often injure themselves severely to ease the pain.

• #1 The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Self-Injury

  https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/connection-eating-disorders-self-injury/

  Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorders, bulimia nervosa or orthorexia seldom occur independently of other psychiatric symptoms or disorders. […] It is not uncommon for those struggling with an eating disorder to simultaneously engage in other forms of self-destruction such as cutting. […] Self-injury and eating disorder behaviors serve a purpose for an individual who is experiencing internal conflict. […] Frequently, they explain that the physical pain inflicted by self-injurious or eating disorder behaviors helps to distract or numb the emotional pain they may be experiencing. […] Other individuals may engage in self-injury behaviors as a way to punish the self in response to feelings of guilt or shame. […] Maladaptive behaviors are utilized as a way to express, change or suppress unwanted or overwhelming emotions.

• #1 Self-Mutilation: Cutting, Burning — Treatments and More

  https://www.webmd.com/depression/self-injury-disorder

  Self-injury usually occurs when people face what seem like overwhelming or distressing feelings. Self-injurers may feel that self-injury is a way of: […] Self-injury also may be a reflection of a person’s self-hatred. Some self-injurers are punishing themselves for having strong feelings that they were usually not allowed to express as children. They also may be punishing themselves for somehow being bad and undeserving. These feelings are an outgrowth of abuse and a belief that the abuse was deserved. […] The prognosis for self-injury varies depending upon a person’s emotional or psychological state or other diagnoses. It is important to determine the factors that lead an individual’s self-injuring behaviors.

• #1 Self-injury/cutting | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/self-injury-cutting?content_id=CON-20155318

  Deliberately hurting your own body, such as by cutting or burning, is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. […] Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress. […] There’s no one single or simple cause that leads someone to self-injure. In general, self-injury may result from: […] Poor coping skills. Nonsuicidal self-injury is usually the result of an inability to cope in healthy ways with stress and emotional pain. […] Difficulty managing emotions. Having a hard time controlling, expressing or understanding emotions may lead to self-injury. The mix of emotions that triggers self-injury is complex. For example, there may be feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection and self-hatred. Being bullied or having questions about sexual identity may be part of the mix of emotions.

• #1 Self-Injury Symptoms, Side Effects & Signs | Lakeview Behavioral Health Hospital

  https://www.lakeviewbehavioralhealth.com/disorders/self-injury/effects-signs-symptoms/

  Self-harm, also known as self-mutilation, self-abuse, self-injury, or simply cutting, is the practice of harming the body with the intent of expressing emotional pain and coping with problems. […] Some people engage in self-mutilation to decrease levels of anxiety, to gain attention, as a way to cope with negative emotions, to soothe themselves, or as a way of remaining in the moment if a person has dissociative tendencies. […] While no one cause has yet been identified as the reason that some self-injure, there are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of this behavior. These include: […] many people in intense emotional pain may use self-harm as a means to avoid or distract themselves from feeling the negative emotions […] individuals who feel emotionally numb often report that even feeling pain is better than feeling nothing

• #1 Cutting and Self-Harm (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cutting.html

  For them, cutting and other types of self-harm can be a way to test whether they can still „feel” pain. […] Self-inflicted physical pain is specific and visible. […] When they cut or self-injure, teens say there is a sense of control and relief to see and know where the specific pain is coming from and a sense of soothing when it stops. […] Many teens describe the sense of relief they feel as they’re cut or self-harm, which is common with compulsive behaviors. […] Cutting, especially, can be habit forming. […] The urge to cut to get relief can seem too hard to resist when emotional pressure is high. […] Self-harm is often linked to or part of another mental health condition. […] Some teens are also struggling with other urges, obsessions, or compulsive behaviors. […] Some are prone to dramatic ways of getting reassurance that they are loved and cared about. […] Some teens are influenced to start self-injuring by another person who does it. […] Regardless of what may lead a teen to self-injure, it’s not a healthy way to deal with even the most extreme emotions or pressures.

• #1 Cutting & Self-Injury (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cutting.html

  Cutting and other types of self-harm often begin on an impulse. It’s not something the person thinks about ahead of time. […] Self-injury can be habit forming. It can become a compulsive behavior meaning that the more a person does it, the more they feel the need to do it. […] A behavior that starts as an attempt to feel more in control can end up controlling you.

• #1 Self Harm and ADHD: Self-Injury Causes, TreatmentFooterLogo

  https://www.additudemag.com/self-harm-self-injury-suicidal-ideation-adhd/?srsltid=AfmBOooKK6h6hx0T5uTN3gwlHVDgMmoc-n9fNWWjxp7bPSU3zZgrB9-7

  Typically, the self-injury results from a trigger, causing a cascade of intense emotion that the person then wants to be rid of. […] Common categories of triggers include interpersonal stressors: a sense of rejection or relationship stress and performance anxieties. […] Self-injury can be cyclical and occur again after periods of stopping. […] Early detection is important because self-harm can become habit-forming. […] Individuals report having to do more over time to get the same response and they report feeling the desire to self-injure outside of a triggering situation. […] Self-injury can be contagious, especially within institutions, such as schools. […] If a child is self-injuring, especially if they have other underlying issues including anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD, it’s important to find a good therapist.

• #1 Why do people cut themselves? Causes and warning signs of self-harm

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-do-people-cut-themselves

  Harming oneself might seem unthinkable, but it is one of the most common mental health issues. One way in which people do this is by cutting themselves. […] Cutting, like any other coping mechanism, can be an outlet for emotional pain. […] Most people who cut report that they do so when their emotional distress feels unbearable. They do not cut themselves because they want to die or get attention. […] The physical pain of cutting provides an outlet for a person’s emotional pain, making the latter feel more tolerable. […] People who cut may report that they feel better immediately after cutting, though they may feel regret hours later or in the following days. […] Cutting can feel like an addiction. A person may feel an overwhelming urge to harm themselves, particularly during times of emotional pain.

• #1 Self-harm and self-injury | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/self-harm

  Although self-harm may bring relief in the short-term, it doesnt help the person address the reasons they are doing it in the first place. […] Unfortunately, self-harm can be dangerous it can lead to serious injury and even accidental death. […] Some people who self-harm have feelings of shame, self-loathing and helplessness and may have suicidal thoughts.

• #1 Cutting and Self-Harm – HelpGuide.org

  https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/cutting-and-self-harm

  Self-harm can be a way of dealing with deep distress and emotional pain. […] Injuring yourself is often the only way you know how to cope with feelings like sadness, self-loathing, emptiness, guilt, and rage. […] Self-harm may be your way of coping with feelings related to past abuse, flashbacks, negative feelings about your body, or other traumatic memories—even if you’re not consciously aware of the connection. […] The relief that comes from cutting or self-harming is only temporary and creates far more problems than it solves. […] If you don’t learn other ways to deal with emotional pain, you increase your risk of major depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and suicide. […] Self-harm can become addictive. […] The bottom line is that cutting and self-harm won’t help you with the issues that made you want to hurt yourself in the first place.

• #1 Understanding Self-Injury: Causes and Warning Signs – The Freedom Center

  https://www.thefreedomcenter.com/understanding-self-injury-causes-and-warning-signs/

  Research suggests that neurotransmitter imbalances, such as serotonin and dopamine, may contribute to self-harming behaviors. […] Self-injury can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can create a temporary sense of euphoria or relief. […] Dysfunctional family relationships, lack of support, or witnessing family members self-harm can influence an individual’s behavior. […] Exposure to self-harm behaviors through media, internet communities, or social networks can normalize the behavior and encourage imitation. […] Self-harm can be a way to exert control over one’s body in an environment where the individual feels powerless or out of control.

• #1 The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery

  https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/about-self-injury.html

  The seemingly rapid spread of self-injury behavior among community populations of youth suggests that there may be a contagion factor at work. […] It is important to know that self-injury is often a sign of other more serious conditions. […] This is impossible to know because we have no idea precisely how common self-injury used to be in community populations of adolescents and young adults.

• #1 What is Self Harm in Adults | Pyramid Healthcare

  https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/does-self-harm-affect-adults-as-well/

  Self-harm is thought of as a concern that affects teens. But like any other mental health concern, self-harm does not discriminate and can manifest in anyone struggling with mental health regardless of age. […] Someone could be drawn to self-harm as a coping mechanism for an unaddressed mental health concern. Struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder, like PTSD or OCD, for example, can be an emotionally challenging experience that may cause the development of self-harm as a means of channeling these uncontrolled thoughts and feelings. […] Specific root causes of self-harm may also include: Unaddressed trauma; Struggling with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder; Not having proper coping mechanisms to deal with stressors; Having a history of abuse, including physical, sexual or emotional abuse; Being the victim of bullying; Facing struggles with gender identity and sexual orientation; Experiencing social isolation; History of mental health concerns in one’s family. […] While not everyone who struggles with the above will develop self-harm behaviors, it is vital to be aware of the risk factors in case signs begin manifesting.

• #1 Self Injury in Autism: Causes and Interventions – Autism Research Institute

  https://autism.org/causes-and-interventions-for-self-injury-in-autism/

  Strictly speaking, self-injury is not a symptom of autism. However, certain symptoms, situations, and comorbidities related to ASD can lead some people with autism to engage in self-injurious behavior. […] To address these behaviors, caregivers must first understand the underlying issues that may be causing them. […] People often view self-injury in terms of its effects. A child may suffer a lasting injury, and a parent may feel demoralized or overwhelmed, and strangers may not understand. While these effects can grab attention, focusing on them is unlikely to address the underlying issue. […] Often self-injury can begin accidentally and, when it’s inadvertently reinforced, it can become a learned behavior. […] In many cases, self-injury serves as a means of communication. […] Self-injury can also be a form of sensory stimulation. An individual with autism may self-injure as a way to increase or decrease their level of arousal.

• #1

  https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/self-harm

  Other reasons can include: sensory differences trying to regulate/manage sensitivity to sound, light, texture and touch; difficulties recognising, managing and regulating emotions (alexithymia); difficulties with transition, for example, changes at school, home or work; increased likelihood of co-occurring mental health conditions. […] Self-harm can be a coping mechanism, without suicidal intent. However, evidence shows that those who have self-harmed in the past have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. […] Self-harm carries significant risks to your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you are self-harming or have thoughts about harming yourself, it is important to seek professional support and treatment as early as possible.

• #1 Self-Harm / Wrist-Cutting? Free 3-Min Quiz Identifies Causes | Ubie

  https://ubiehealth.com/symptoms/deliberate-self-harm-behavior

  Self-harm / wrist-cutting can be related to: […] A condition with a heightened fear of gaining weight and focus on controlling body image. Patients try to lose weight excessively through fasting, inducing vomiting, or excessive exercise. Binge eating may also be involved. […] Self-injurious behavior encompasses a range of actions that individuals may engage in to cope with emotional distress, express feelings, or exert control over their bodies. […] When you purposely starve yourself to cope with feelings or to punish yourself, it can be a form of self-harm. This behavior is very harmful to your body and may be part of an eating disorder. […] Yes, studies have found that people with autism are more likely to hurt themselves compared to those without autism. This self-injury risk can come from several challenges, like communication issues or strong sensory feelings.

• #2 Cutting & Self-Injury (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cutting.html

  Most of us know about cutting using a sharp object like a razorblade, knife, or scissors to make marks, cuts, or scratches on one’s own body. But cutting is just one form of self-injury. People who self-injure also might burn, scratch, or hit themselves; bang their head; pull their hair; pinch their skin; pierce their skin with needles or sharp objects; or insert objects under their skin. […] It can be hard to understand why people harm themselves on purpose. But it’s a way some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions, intense pressure, or upsetting relationship problems. They may be dealing with feelings that seem too difficult to bear or bad situations they think can’t change. […] Some people do it because they feel desperate for relief from bad feelings. People may not know better ways to get relief from emotional pain or pressure. For some, it’s an expression of strong feelings like rage, sorrow, rejection, desperation, longing, or emptiness.

• #2 Self-injury/cutting | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/self-injury-cutting?content_id=CON-20155318

  Deliberately hurting your own body, such as by cutting or burning, is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. […] Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress. […] There’s no one single or simple cause that leads someone to self-injure. In general, self-injury may result from: […] Poor coping skills. Nonsuicidal self-injury is usually the result of an inability to cope in healthy ways with stress and emotional pain. […] Difficulty managing emotions. Having a hard time controlling, expressing or understanding emotions may lead to self-injury. The mix of emotions that triggers self-injury is complex. For example, there may be feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, panic, anger, guilt, rejection and self-hatred. Being bullied or having questions about sexual identity may be part of the mix of emotions.

• #2 Self-harm | NHS inform

  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/self-harm/

  Self-harm is an expression of personal distress, rather than an illness, although it can be linked to other mental health conditions such as depression. […] There are many reasons why people self-harm, but the causes usually stem from unhappy emotions. […] Self-harming has been described as a physical expression of emotional distress. If somebody is feeling overwhelmed with unhappy emotions, they may find that the physical act of hurting themselves makes them feel better. […] Research has shown that social factors commonly cause emotional distress in people who self-harm. […] Self-harm could also sometimes be a way of coping with a traumatic experience. […] The distress from a traumatic experience or an unhappy situation can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or self-hatred. […] Some research has suggested that people who self-harm may have difficulty managing or regulating their emotions. […] Self-harm is linked to anxiety and depression. […] In some cases there may be a psychological reason for the self-harming (where the cause is related to an issue with your mind).

• #2 Self-Harm: What It Is, Causes, Types & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12201-self-harm

  Self-harm means hurting yourself on purpose. People may self-injure for many reasons. For some, it might feel like relief, like taking the lid off a pressure cooker. Others might self-harm because physical pain might remind them that they’re alive. But self-harm can sometimes be more severe than intended or lead to infection. Treatment is available. […] Self-harm is when you injure yourself on purpose. Also known as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder, people who self-harm do things to hurt themselves but don’t want to cause death. […] Some people self-harm because it feels good to them, to prove they can tolerate pain or to relieve negative feelings. […] Some people self-harm to punish or take out their anger on themselves. […] Some people self-harm to communicate with others that they’re in distress or need support.

• #2 Self-harm and self-injury | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/self-harm

  No one has to cope alone; self-harming behaviour is treatable. […] Whatever the reason, self-harm is normally a sign that a person is feeling intense emotional pain and distress. […] Stressors that may increase the risk of self-harm include: family breakdown or conflict, relationship difficulties, knowing others who self-harm, having a family history of self-harm, being bullied, school or work problems, alcohol and drug abuse, past trauma, neglect or abuse. […] Personal factors that may increase someones risk of self-harm include: a previous history of self-harm, experiencing aggression or violence, mental health conditions, low self-esteem, poor body image and self-hatred, physical illness or disability, impulsivity acting without thinking, poor coping skills, difficulties with problem solving.

• #2 Cutting and Self-Harm (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cutting.html

  For them, cutting and other types of self-harm can be a way to test whether they can still „feel” pain. […] Self-inflicted physical pain is specific and visible. […] When they cut or self-injure, teens say there is a sense of control and relief to see and know where the specific pain is coming from and a sense of soothing when it stops. […] Many teens describe the sense of relief they feel as they’re cut or self-harm, which is common with compulsive behaviors. […] Cutting, especially, can be habit forming. […] The urge to cut to get relief can seem too hard to resist when emotional pressure is high. […] Self-harm is often linked to or part of another mental health condition. […] Some teens are also struggling with other urges, obsessions, or compulsive behaviors. […] Some are prone to dramatic ways of getting reassurance that they are loved and cared about. […] Some teens are influenced to start self-injuring by another person who does it. […] Regardless of what may lead a teen to self-injure, it’s not a healthy way to deal with even the most extreme emotions or pressures.

• #2 Self-Harm and Trauma – PTSD: National Center for PTSD

  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/self_harm.asp

  People may hurt themselves and this can take many forms. Self-harm includes self-abuse, cutting and other behaviors. If you self-harm, you are more likely to have PTSD. […] Self-harm is most often related to going through trauma in childhood rather than as an adult. […] Those who self-harm very often have a history of childhood sexual or physical abuse. They may have experienced emotional neglect, been separated from their caregivers, or had weak or unstable bonds with those caregivers. Some research has looked at whether certain aspects of childhood sexual abuse increase the risk that survivors will engage in self-harm as adults. The findings show that more severe, more frequent, or longer-lasting sexual abuse is linked to an increased risk of engaging in self-harm in one’s adult years. […] Those who self-harm appear to have higher rates of PTSD and other mental health problems.

• #2 Self-Harm Causes & Side-Effects | Vermilion Behavioral Health Systems

  https://www.acadiavermilion.com/disorders/self-harm/signs-symptoms/

  Self-harm, also known as self-injury, is defined as the deliberate injury to ones own body without the intention of ending ones life. […] While we are still unable to determine the exact cause for why an individual would start to self-harm it is believed that some of the most common hypothesis include a combination of the following: […] Genetic: The disorders of which self-injury may be symptomatic are believed to have strong genetic links. […] Physical: It is believed by professionals that when the neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for a persons ability to properly regulate emotions, become imbalanced an individual is more susceptible to developing a mental illness. […] Environmental: A persons environment can have a significant impact on whether or not they start to engage in self-injury.

• #2 Self-Mutilation and Pharmacotherapy

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2993516/

  There are a number of ways to understand why someone would engage in such disturbing behaviors. It is generally acknowledged by patients and clinicians alike that self-mutilation may be a way, albeit maladaptive, to express or terminate emotional turmoil. […] Self-mutilation can also be seen as linked to impulse control on a number of levels. It has a pattern of urges to cut, tension or arousal before cutting, and momentary pleasure and relief of tension after the act, similar to what is seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder or addictions. […] Decreased serotonin levels have been linked specifically to the trait of impulsivity. There is strong evidence linking decreased serotonin levels with self-mutilation and disorders that often include self-mutilation. […] In addition to the neurotransmitter serotonin and impulsivity, the opiate pathway is also implicated in both the etiology and treatment of self-mutilation.

• #2 Cutting Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment – Right Choice Recovery

  https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/addiction/behavioral/cutting/

  The most frequent problems of self-harm activities, like cutting, in adolescents are due to family problems, according to a study authored by Ellen Townsend et al. and published in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health journal in 2022. […] Individuals with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder have a higher likelihood of experiencing non-suicidal self-injury events like cutting. […] People with substance addiction are prone to self-cutting due to their inability to manage their emotions. […] Having friends with cutting addiction increases the risk of an individual’s risk of engaging in self-harm activities like cutting.

• #2 Why people self-harm – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/why-people-self-harm/

  Self-harm may be linked to bad experiences that are happening now, or in the past. But sometimes the reason is unknown. […] Self-harm is most often described as a way to express or cope with emotional distress. […] There are many possible causes of emotional distress. It’s often a build-up of many smaller things that leads people to think about self-harm. […] Some examples include: being bullied, pressure at school or work, family arguments or relationship problems, money worries, low self-esteem, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, confusion about sexuality, grief after bereavement or loss, physical or sexual abuse, being in contact with the criminal justice system, experiencing complex mental health difficulties that sometimes cause impulsive behaviour or difficulty controlling emotions, often due to past trauma, living with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.

• #2 The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery

  https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/about-self-injury.html

  The seemingly rapid spread of self-injury behavior among community populations of youth suggests that there may be a contagion factor at work. […] It is important to know that self-injury is often a sign of other more serious conditions. […] This is impossible to know because we have no idea precisely how common self-injury used to be in community populations of adolescents and young adults.

• #2 Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Mutilation

  https://www.verywellmind.com/self-mutilation-425484

  Factors that can increase the risk for self-mutilation include: Age: Self-mutilation may be more common in adolescents and young adults; Gender identity and sexual orientation: Self-injurious behavior occurs more frequently among LGBTQIA+ people, often due to higher rates of bullying, abuse, and discrimination; Trauma: People who have experienced child abuse and trauma have a higher risk of engaging in self-mutilation; Bullying and isolation: People who are bullied or rejected by their peers are more likely to engage in non-suicidal self-injury. […] People with BPD have a higher risk for self-mutilation, but it can also occur in other conditions, including: Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Conduct disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Gender dysphoria, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Substance-use disorders.

• #2 Self-Harm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  https://www.verywellmind.com/self-injury-and-cutting-1065420

  Self-harm is a complex condition that has no simple explanation. […] Most often self-harm is simply a mechanism for coping with emotional distress. People who select this emotional outlet may use it to express feelings, deal with feelings of unreality or numbness, stop flashbacks, punish themselves, or relieve tension. […] Self-injury is also associated with certain conditions including: Depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, Borderline personality disorder, PTSD, Eating disorders, Anxiety disorders, Alcohol and substance use. […] Self-injury indicates a lack of coping skills for dealing with severe emotional distress. People who self-harm may struggle to understand and manage their emotions. They also may not have the necessary skills to cope with stress and trauma in healthy ways. […] While suicide is not the intent of self-injury, self-harm has a strong association with suicide attempts. In one study of adolescents, 46% who had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury went on to attempt suicide before the age of 21.

• #2 Cutting & Self-Injury (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cutting.html

  But people who self-harm may not have developed ways to cope. Or their coping skills may be overpowered by emotions that are too intense. When emotions don’t get expressed in a healthy way, tension can build up sometimes to a point where it seems almost unbearable. Cutting or another self-injury may be an attempt to relieve that extreme tension. For some, it seems like a way of feeling in control. […] The urge to cut might be triggered by strong feelings the person can’t express such as anger, hurt, shame, frustration, or alienation. […] People who cut or self-injure sometimes have other mental health problems that contribute to their emotional tension. Cutting is sometimes (but not always) associated with depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive thinking, or compulsive behaviors.

• #2 The DSM-5 diagnosis of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: a review of the empirical literature | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Full Text

  https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-015-0062-7

  Results showed preliminary support for a distinct and independent NSSID diagnosis, but additional empirical data are needed with direct and structured assessment of the final DSM-5 criteria in order to reliably assess and validate a potential diagnosis of NSSID. […] There is general consensus that there is an association between BPD and NSSI, but that NSSI is not unique to BPD. […] NSSI is also associated with other personality disorders and to several axis I symptomatologies, and may also be present without any psychiatric comorbidities. […] To classify NSSI purely as a criterion of BPD implies that it does not have clinical significance outside the BPD context. […] Furthermore, not separating suicidal behaviors and NSSI can lead to inaccurate case conceptualization, risk assessment, treatment and iatrogenic hospitalization.

• #2 Self-Harm & Eating Disorders

  https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/co-occurring-dual-diagnosis/self-injury

  Engaging in self-harming once might reinforce future episodes, as “self-harm may feel like a release. Sometimes, injuring yourself stimulates the body’s endorphins or pain-killing hormones, thus raising their mood.” […] Individuals that engage in self-injurious behaviors may have a comorbid mental health diagnosis, with the most common co-occurring diagnoses being Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorders, Eating Disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). […] As mentioned above, self-injurious behaviors often occur alongside eating disorder behaviors. Both are often used as maladaptive coping skills when an individual does not feel they have the skills to cope with distressing thoughts, feelings, and situations. […] Many do believe that eating disorders themselves are self-injurious behaviors. The motivations behind eating disorders can be similar to self-harming behaviors, as discussed above.

• #2 Cutting and self-mutilation | EBSCO Research StartersEBSCO, research databases, ebooks, discovery service

  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/cutting-and-self-mutilation

  Cutting and self-mutilation, commonly referred to as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), involve individuals intentionally harming their own bodies. This behavior typically begins in adolescence and can manifest through various forms such as cutting, burning, or hair pulling. […] Individuals who self-injure often have histories of trauma or abuse and may experience associated mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. […] The motivations behind self-injury can vary significantly; some individuals use it as a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions, while others may seek a sense of control or relief from emotional pain. […] Persons who self-injure commonly have a history of abuse, including sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. Self-injury is often associated with other mental health problems, such as eating disorders, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorders, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorders, panic disorder, and phobias.

• #2 Self Injury in Autism: Causes and Interventions – Autism Research Institute

  https://autism.org/causes-and-interventions-for-self-injury-in-autism/

  Strictly speaking, self-injury is not a symptom of autism. However, certain symptoms, situations, and comorbidities related to ASD can lead some people with autism to engage in self-injurious behavior. […] To address these behaviors, caregivers must first understand the underlying issues that may be causing them. […] People often view self-injury in terms of its effects. A child may suffer a lasting injury, and a parent may feel demoralized or overwhelmed, and strangers may not understand. While these effects can grab attention, focusing on them is unlikely to address the underlying issue. […] Often self-injury can begin accidentally and, when it’s inadvertently reinforced, it can become a learned behavior. […] In many cases, self-injury serves as a means of communication. […] Self-injury can also be a form of sensory stimulation. An individual with autism may self-injure as a way to increase or decrease their level of arousal.

• #2 Self-Harm: What It Is, Causes, Types & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12201-self-harm

  Self-harm behaviors are most likely to start between ages 12 and 14. But it can start earlier. People who self-harm often continue to do so for years. Self-harm is common in young adults, especially people in college. […] People who belong to sexual minorities (meaning they aren’t heterosexual) have higher rates of self-harm. Experts believe the self-harm rates are higher because sexual minority individuals are more likely to face adverse life events. […] People who feel socially isolated or rejected, especially children and teenagers who experience bullying or social isolation for other reasons, have higher rates of self-harm. […] Self-harm can lead to feelings of shame, guilt or regret. You might worry about people noticing your injuries and go to great lengths to cover or hide injuries or scars. […] Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder doesn’t involve suicidal intent. But the risk of attempting or dying by suicide is much higher for people who self-harm.

• #2 Self-injury/cutting | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/self-injury-cutting?content_id=CON-20155318

  Self-injury may be an attempt to: […] Manage or reduce severe distress or anxiety and provide a sense of relief. […] Provide a distraction from painful emotions through physical pain. […] Feel a sense of control over the body, feelings or life situations. […] Feel something anything even if it’s physical pain, when feeling emotionally empty. […] Express internal feelings in an external way. […] Communicate feelings of stress or depression to the outside world. […] Punish oneself.

• #2

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/when-children-and-teens-self-harm.aspx

  Self-harm can also be a way for kids to take control of their bodies when they feel a lack of control over other things or when other aspects of their lives seem unmanageable. […] There is no single clear cause. However, young people who self-harm often feel overwhelming emotional pain. Others say they feel lonely, worthless or empty inside and will do anything to feel better, if only for a moment. Still others report feeling overstimulated, misunderstood or fearful of close relationships. Some feel overwhelmed by school and family responsibilities, or want to punish themselves for something bad they believe they’ve done. […] Most self-harm comes from a momentary need to escape, not a wish to die. However, newer research suggests that adolescents who have trouble quitting NSSI face much higher rates of experiencing suicidal thoughts and dying by suicide than their peers who do not engage in self-harm. Native American and Native Alaskan youth are at particularly high risk.

• #2 Cutting: Self-Harm, on Arm, Yourself, Self-Injury, in Adults, and More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/cutting

  Cutting is when a person deliberately hurts themselves by scratching or cutting their body with a sharp object. The reasons someone might do this are complicated. […] People who cut themselves might be trying to cope with frustration, anger, or emotional turmoil. It might be an attempt to relieve pressure. But any such relief is short-lived and may be followed by feelings of shame or guilt. […] There are no easy answers as to why a person turns to cutting, though there are some general causes. A person who self-harms may: have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions; not know how to cope with trauma, pressure, or psychological pain in a healthy manner; have unresolved feelings of rejection, loneliness, self-hatred, anger, or confusion; want to feel alive. […] People who self-injure may be desperate to break the tension or rid themselves of negative feelings. It could be an attempt to feel in control or to distract from something unpleasant. It can even be a means of self-punishment for perceived shortcomings.

• #2 The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Self-Injury

  https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/connection-eating-disorders-self-injury/

  Individuals with eating disorders and self-injury tend to display an inability to verbalize and process emotions, leading them to utilize their bodies as a form of expression. […] Treatment for self-injury is aimed at recognizing and treating the underlying cause such as low-self esteem, impulsivity, depression, family dysfunction and conflict, poverty or abuse. […] Learning healthy coping skills and maintaining emotional equilibrium to help manage the feelings of anger, grief and loneliness can help prevent an individual from cutting in response to these negative emotions. […] The goals of treatment for individuals who practice eating disorders and self-injury are as follows: Identify and manage underlying issues that trigger self-injury, Learn skills to manage distress, Learn how to regulate and cope with unhealthy emotions, Learn how to improve self-image and self-esteem, Develop skills to improve relationships and social skills, Develop healthy problem-solving skills.

• #2 6 Reasons Why People Self-Injure

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/reasons-people-self-injure

  People may harm themselves to cope with or temporarily alleviate distressing feelings or situations. Self-injury for these individuals may cause relief or feelings of calm. Additionally, people report that they engage in self-harm as a form of self-punishment. Overall, self-harm is common among people who struggle with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, negative emotionality, and self-criticism. […] Self-injury, which is often diagnosed as Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (DSM-5), is caused and influenced by many different intersecting factors. […] Some psychological reasons for self-injury include: Coping with emotional pain, Gaining a sense of control, Inducing a positive feeling, such as calm or relief, Self-punishing or expressing self-anger. […] Some social reasons behind self-harm include: Desiring to influence others, Producing a physical sign of emotional distress, Seeking help.

• #2 Revealing the Underlying Reasons and Psychology of Self-Harm

  https://www.abhmaryland.com/the-psychology-behind-self-harming/

  Self-harm is the practice of deliberately hurting oneself, usually through cutting, scratching, or burning, and it is an act that people commit in secret. […] People harm themselves in response to acute psychological stress. Generally speaking, those who commit this non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI, attempt to cope with intense shame, anxiety, and guilt. […] The purpose of self-harm is to feel better, not to end all feelings, and this is one of the ways it may differ from suicidal behavior. […] People frequently self-harm to: Cope with emotional stress, Exert control over their lives, Punish themselves for perceived flaws, Disrupt intrusive thoughts. […] Traumatic experiences from the past, including sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, create unresolved conflict that sometimes leads to self-harm. […] Growing up in a home with neglectful or emotionally immature parents can cause a person to self-harm. […] Their sense of worthlessness, loneliness, and self-hatred is so great that they often injure themselves severely to ease the pain.

• #2 Cutting and Self-Harm (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cutting.html

  Most of us know about teens and cutting how some use a sharp object like a razorblade, knife, or scissors to make marks, cuts, or scratches on their own body. […] Self-harming is a serious issue that affects many teens. […] In some cases, there’s a family history of cutting or other self-harm. […] Many teens who self-injure report that it provides a sense of relief from deep painful emotions. […] Cutting and other self-harm can become a teen’s habitual way to respond to pressures and unbearable feelings. […] Teens self-injure for many different reasons: Powerful overwhelming emotions. […] Some have been deeply hurt by harsh treatment or by situations that have left them feeling unsupported, powerless, unworthy, or unloved. […] Some teens have experienced trauma, which can cause waves of emotional numbness called dissociation.

• #2 Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/suicidal-behavior-and-self-injury/nonsuicidal-self-injury-nssi

  Nonsuicidal self-injury tends to start in early adolescence. […] The motivations for nonsuicidal self-injury are unclear, but self-injury may be a way to reduce tension or negative feelings, a way to resolve interpersonal difficulties, self-punishment for perceived faults, or a plea for help. […] Nonsuicidal self-injury is often accompanied by other disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, eating disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, and autism.

• #2 The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery

  https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/about-self-injury.html

  Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue resulting in immediate damage, without suicidal intent and for purposes not culturally sanctioned. […] What defines self-injury has less to do with what it looks like (e.g. in what particular way someone hurts his/her body) than with the intention one has when doing it. […] Reasons given for self-injuring are diverse. Many individuals who practice it report overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness as common emotional triggers. Self-injury, they report, provides a way to manage intolerable feelings or a way to experience some sense of feeling. […] In clinical populations, self-injury is strongly linked to childhood abuse, especially childhood sexual abuse. […] Most self-injury researchers agree that self-injury does show some addictive qualities and may serve as a form of self-medication for some individuals.

• #2 Cutting and Self-Harm – HelpGuide.org

  https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/cutting-and-self-harm

  Self-harm can be a way of dealing with deep distress and emotional pain. […] Injuring yourself is often the only way you know how to cope with feelings like sadness, self-loathing, emptiness, guilt, and rage. […] Self-harm may be your way of coping with feelings related to past abuse, flashbacks, negative feelings about your body, or other traumatic memories—even if you’re not consciously aware of the connection. […] The relief that comes from cutting or self-harming is only temporary and creates far more problems than it solves. […] If you don’t learn other ways to deal with emotional pain, you increase your risk of major depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and suicide. […] Self-harm can become addictive. […] The bottom line is that cutting and self-harm won’t help you with the issues that made you want to hurt yourself in the first place.

• #2 6 Reasons Why People Self-Injure

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/reasons-people-self-injure

  Intentional self-harm is typically associated with: Depression, Anxiety, Tension, Anger, Distress, Self-criticism, A preoccupation with self-harm that’s difficult to control, Constant thinking about self-injury. […] A main facet of self-harm is that it often becomes a vicious cycle. According to the DSM-5, people can become dependent on the temporary relief they experience right after engaging in self-harm. It becomes the maladaptive coping mechanism that they turn to whenever they are distressed, demonstrating a lack of emotional regulation skills.

• #2 Self-harm and self-injury | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/self-harm

  Although self-harm may bring relief in the short-term, it doesnt help the person address the reasons they are doing it in the first place. […] Unfortunately, self-harm can be dangerous it can lead to serious injury and even accidental death. […] Some people who self-harm have feelings of shame, self-loathing and helplessness and may have suicidal thoughts.

• #2 What Is Cutting and What Are the Warning Signs? | Self-Harm

  https://www.hhills.com/rehab-blog/what-is-cutting-and-what-are-the-warning-signs/

  Non-suicidal self-injury—often referred to as self-harm—involves any act of intentionally injuring or causing harm to oneself. […] Self-harm is not a mental health disorder but rather a symptom of an underlying issue(s). […] The leading causes of cutting and self-injury are poor coping skills and an inability to manage emotions in healthy ways. Reasons individuals self-harm can include: unresolved or ongoing trauma, untreated mental health conditions, to cope with overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, or guilt, self-punishment for perceived faults, to express emotions that are too hard to verbalize, to feel a sense of control over one’s life or circumstances, to reduce emotional numbness, and releasing emotional pain through physical pain. […] Whatever the reason for cutting and other self-injury, it is essential for individuals to know that help is available and to understand the potential consequences of not getting help. The relief that comes from cutting is temporary, and the act does not resolve the issues but exacerbates them. […] Understanding the causes of cutting and self-injury can help make it less scary, reduce angry feelings, foster compassion, and encourage the need to seek treatment.

• #2 Self Harm and ADHD: Self-Injury Causes, TreatmentFooterLogo

  https://www.additudemag.com/self-harm-self-injury-suicidal-ideation-adhd/?srsltid=AfmBOooKK6h6hx0T5uTN3gwlHVDgMmoc-n9fNWWjxp7bPSU3zZgrB9-7

  Typically, the self-injury results from a trigger, causing a cascade of intense emotion that the person then wants to be rid of. […] Common categories of triggers include interpersonal stressors: a sense of rejection or relationship stress and performance anxieties. […] Self-injury can be cyclical and occur again after periods of stopping. […] Early detection is important because self-harm can become habit-forming. […] Individuals report having to do more over time to get the same response and they report feeling the desire to self-injure outside of a triggering situation. […] Self-injury can be contagious, especially within institutions, such as schools. […] If a child is self-injuring, especially if they have other underlying issues including anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD, it’s important to find a good therapist.

• #2 Cutting and self-mutilation | EBSCO Research StartersEBSCO, research databases, ebooks, discovery service

  https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/cutting-and-self-mutilation

  There are many reasons for self-injury. One is using the behavior to provide a way to deal with overwhelming feelings, such as anger, extreme sadness, anxiety, depression, stress, sense of failure, self-hatred, or the helplessness of a trauma. […] Though research has not conclusively proven it, a prevalent theory is that self-injury leads to the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are chemicals found in the body that act as natural pain relievers and tranquilizers. Endorphin release produces a natural high that can temporarily mask emotional or physical pain. […] It is thought that some people self-injure to seek attention and to manipulate others. This is unlikely because most people who self-injure are ashamed of the injuries that they cause, and they will hide their self-inflicted injuries. […] In this context, self-harm is called self-injurious behavior (SIB) and can have a number of causes. Someone with autism, for example, may exhibit SIB as a result of biochemical imbalances, sensory issues, to distract from other sources of physical pain, or in response to social or environmental triggers.

• #2 What is Self Harm in Adults | Pyramid Healthcare

  https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/does-self-harm-affect-adults-as-well/

  Self-harm is thought of as a concern that affects teens. But like any other mental health concern, self-harm does not discriminate and can manifest in anyone struggling with mental health regardless of age. […] Someone could be drawn to self-harm as a coping mechanism for an unaddressed mental health concern. Struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder, like PTSD or OCD, for example, can be an emotionally challenging experience that may cause the development of self-harm as a means of channeling these uncontrolled thoughts and feelings. […] Specific root causes of self-harm may also include: Unaddressed trauma; Struggling with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder; Not having proper coping mechanisms to deal with stressors; Having a history of abuse, including physical, sexual or emotional abuse; Being the victim of bullying; Facing struggles with gender identity and sexual orientation; Experiencing social isolation; History of mental health concerns in one’s family. […] While not everyone who struggles with the above will develop self-harm behaviors, it is vital to be aware of the risk factors in case signs begin manifesting.

• #2 Cutting: Self-Harm, on Arm, Yourself, Self-Injury, in Adults, and More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/cutting

  Its certainly not always the case, but self-injuring behavior can be associated with other conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, drug or alcohol misuse, certain personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders. […] Some risk factors for cutting are: Age. People of all ages self-injure, but it tends to occur more in teenagers and young adults. […] Trauma. People who self-harm may have been abused, neglected, or raised in an unstable environment. […] Mental health disorders. Self-injury sometimes goes along with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). […] Cutting can exacerbate negative emotions. It can also lead to worsening mental and physical problems such as increased feelings of guilt and shame, becoming addicted to cutting, infection of the wounds, permanent scarring, severe injury requiring medical treatment, accidental fatal injury, increased risk of suicide. […] The first step is to speak to a doctor. A mental health evaluation will determine if there are contributing conditions such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders.

• #2 Self-Injury | Nolensville Psychiatry | Nolensville, TN

  https://www.nolensvillepsychiatry.com/selfinjury.php

  Self-injury is often related to trauma, and those who harm or hurt themselves are likely to have been abused in childhood. […] There is no specific cause for self-injury, however, many people who inflict self-harm may suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, eating disorders and personality disorders. […] Females are more likely than males to induce self-harm and certain people may have an increased risk for self-injury including those who: […] Were sexually or physically abused as a child […] Suffer from mental health issues […] Have friends who self-injure […] Are teenagers or young adults […] Abuse alcohol or drugs. […] Although self-injury is usually not an attempt of suicide, the risk of suicide may increase as the emotional problems caused by self-injury intensify.

• #2 Self-harm – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-harm

  Self-harm refers to intentional behaviors that cause harm to oneself. This is most commonly regarded as direct injury of one’s own skin tissues, usually without suicidal intention. Other terms such as cutting, self-abuse, self-injury, and self-mutilation have been used for any self-harming behavior regardless of suicidal intent. Common forms of self-harm include damaging the skin with a sharp object or scratching with the fingernails, hitting, or burning. […] The desire to self-harm is a common symptom of some personality disorders. People with other mental disorders may also self-harm, including those with depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, psychotic disorders, as well as gender dysphoria or dysmorphia.

• #2

  https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/self-harm

  Other reasons can include: sensory differences trying to regulate/manage sensitivity to sound, light, texture and touch; difficulties recognising, managing and regulating emotions (alexithymia); difficulties with transition, for example, changes at school, home or work; increased likelihood of co-occurring mental health conditions. […] Self-harm can be a coping mechanism, without suicidal intent. However, evidence shows that those who have self-harmed in the past have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. […] Self-harm carries significant risks to your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you are self-harming or have thoughts about harming yourself, it is important to seek professional support and treatment as early as possible.

• #2

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/when-children-and-teens-self-harm.aspx

  Kids and teens who experience depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders and other mental health conditions are at higher risk of engaging in self-harm. Looking for and treating both the mental health condition and the self-injury is important.

• #3 Cutting and self-harm: Why it happens and what to do – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cutting-and-self-harm-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-202305312940

  The notion that hurting yourself can make you feel better seems like a contradiction. But that’s exactly what drives skin cutting and similar forms of self-harm among adolescents, says Matthew Nock, chair of the department of psychology at Harvard University. […] Cutting appears to have three contributing components, Nock says: psychological, biological, and social. […] „Kids who engage in self-injury have difficulty tolerating emotional distress and are more likely to try to escape from those feelings,” he says. „It might be that their pain demands attention, and when they’re really upset, cutting themselves focuses on their physical pain and reduces their psychological pain.” […] „The more you intentionally hurt your body which takes some amount of courage to do the more likely you’ll target yourself in the future,” Nock says. „We also think there’s a self-hatred component to this you’ll hurt your body when in distress rather than do something productive like go for a run. There’s a sort of self-criticism that leads people to hurt themselves and ultimately try to kill themselves.”

• #3 Self-harm and self-injury | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/self-harm

  Although self-harm may bring relief in the short-term, it doesnt help the person address the reasons they are doing it in the first place. […] Unfortunately, self-harm can be dangerous it can lead to serious injury and even accidental death. […] Some people who self-harm have feelings of shame, self-loathing and helplessness and may have suicidal thoughts.

• #3 The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Self-Injury

  https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/connection-eating-disorders-self-injury/

  Individuals with eating disorders and self-injury tend to display an inability to verbalize and process emotions, leading them to utilize their bodies as a form of expression. […] Treatment for self-injury is aimed at recognizing and treating the underlying cause such as low-self esteem, impulsivity, depression, family dysfunction and conflict, poverty or abuse. […] Learning healthy coping skills and maintaining emotional equilibrium to help manage the feelings of anger, grief and loneliness can help prevent an individual from cutting in response to these negative emotions. […] The goals of treatment for individuals who practice eating disorders and self-injury are as follows: Identify and manage underlying issues that trigger self-injury, Learn skills to manage distress, Learn how to regulate and cope with unhealthy emotions, Learn how to improve self-image and self-esteem, Develop skills to improve relationships and social skills, Develop healthy problem-solving skills.

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