Overview 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.

Understanding the Context

What drives forms of self-harm like cutting that some teens engage in? Gaining an understanding of why some children harm themselves by cutting their skin, what signs to be aware of, and how to approach the subject can help parents respond if this occurs. Harming oneself might seem unthinkable, but some do so as a coping mechanism or emotional outlet. One way in which people do this is by cutting themselves.

Key Insights

There are many reasons a person may self ... Cutting is often a coping mechanism that helps with negative emotions. Learn if cutting is addictive and possible treatment options. 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. While self-harm is not intended to be lethal, people who harm themselves are at a higher risk of attempting suicide if they do not receive help.

Final Thoughts

The most common methods are: Skin cutting (70-90%). Head ... Cutting self is common among self-harmers. Self-injury cutting, may be seen as a way of relieving emotional pain. Learn more about cutting and self-mutilation. 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 ...