Self-injury is the use of injurious or harmful actions against the self in order to manage strong and painful emotions. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSH), also known as self-harm, is a little understood emotional phenomenon. Despite the lack of attention given to this issue, approximately 2 million individuals are reported to engage in the behavior each year in the United States. Of those 2 million, an estimated half begin as teenagers and continue self-injury into adulthood. Here’s a look at understanding NSSH.
Understanding NSSH
Self-harming activities are not intended as suicidal acts. Rather, they are used by individuals as an attempt to control what feels to them as intensely powerful and difficult to manage emotions. By cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, or biting easily covered areas on the body, like the arm or thigh, these negative emotions are forced into the background.
Self-injury may be used as distraction, expression, or release. The definition of self-harm has broadened further to include less obvious self-injurious behaviors, like rampant unprotected sexual intercourse, drunk driving, or overindulging in addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, the results of self harm are temporary, requiring repeated self-inflicted injuries.
What NSSH Is Not
Self harm is not a means of getting attention. The act of self harm is often performed in secret, away from loved ones. What’s more, the intense privacy utilized by those who engage in self-harm, combined with the shame that accompanies it, makes it increasingly difficult for those battling NSSH to ask for help.
NSSH is also not an attempt to commit suicide, despite the destructive nature of this practice. Ironically, it is a survival tool developed to try to make life more bearable.
Signs of NSSH
It can be difficult to approach someone you think may be engaging in self-harming activities. It can be hard to tell when such a problem is occurring, because it is easy to cover the wounds and present a calm face to the rest of the world, despite the difficulties occurring internally.
However, some warning signs may include:
- Frequent burns, cuts, or other wounds located in nearly the same place, especially on the thigh, wrist, arm, or even chest
- Clusters of scars or injuries that never seem to heal
- Extended periods of seclusion
- Towels, tissues, or bedding stained with blood
- Irritability, socially withdrawal, or signs of depression
- A collection of sharp objects lacking another explanation (razor blades, glass pieces, etc.)
- Frequent use of band aids or jewelry
- Head-to-toe clothing, even in warm weather
- Extensive amounts of suspicious “accidents” or clumsiness to hide the truth of wounds
It is important to remember that people who engage in NSSH are very private and often ashamed of their actions. However, if you’re worried about someone you love, reach out to them in a caring, careful way. Offer support, not criticism, if you suspect a person you care about has been using self-injury as a way to manage extreme, negative emotions.
