Self-injury

Self-injury (SI) or self-harm (SH) occurs when a person hurts their body on purpose. This kind of harm is not suicidal behavior.^[1] Many self-harmers hurt themselves because they feel it is the only way to stay alive.^[2] However, in some cases the self-harm becomes so bad it can lead to death,^[3] and those who self-harm are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not.^[4]

There are many different reasons why a person may hurt themselves, though it is often hard to find an exact cause.^[5] Sometimes, the self-harm helps relieve unbearable emotions, or feelings of unreality or numbness. Self-harm is often a symptom of other problems. These problems may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, or eating disorders. Self-harm may also stem from mental problems such as low self esteem or perfectionism.^[6]

Studying the causes of self-injury can be difficult or inaccurate, because many self-harmers try to hide their injuries.

1. ↑ Self-injury, About.com, 2008, archived from the original on August 28, 2008, retrieved November 4, 2008
2. ↑ Friends and Family: How You Can Help, Harmless.co.uk, 2008
3. ↑ 'Self-harm brought me close to death', British Broadcasting Corporation, August 27, 2008, retrieved November 4, 2008
4. ↑ Mona McAlinden (August 27, 2008), Study reveals teen self-harm rate, BBC Scotland news website, retrieved November 4, 2008
5. ↑ Kimberly DeRuyck, Ph.D. and Jennifer Resetar, Ph.D., Understanding Teen Cutting and Self-Injury, Boys Town Behavioral Pediatrics & Family Services Clinic, archived from the original on October 14, 2008, retrieved November 4, 2008{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
6. ↑ Deb Martinson, Why do people deliberately injure themselves?, Secret Shame, archived from the original on October 12, 2008, retrieved November 4, 2008