16.9% of people self-harm at some point in their lives.
To put this in perspective: In a room of 10 people, at least one person has likely engaged in self-harm, silently battling inner demons often unseen by others.
It’s a sobering reminder that self-harm is more widespread than many of us realize. Sadly, most of us would still shy away from talking about the issue or even downplay its effects.
But in order to help those struggling, it's crucial to understand the reality of self-harm and to break the stigma surrounding it.
Understanding self-harm or self-injury
Self-harm, also clinically known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the act of intentionally hurting oneself physically.
While it is a risk factor and can be associated with suicide ideation, self-harm is not necessarily a suicidal act. It is more of a way to cope with stress or feelings related to what’s currently happening in the person’s life.
It is also NOT a way for people to seek attention.
A big part of self-harm’s stigma is that it’s merely an act to get noticed. But the truth is that it's self-destructive behavior that isn't entirely a conscious choice. People who self-harm often feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their emotions healthily.
The most common form of self-harm involves cutting one's wrists, forearms, stomach, or thighs. Other methods include burning, scratching, hitting oneself, or interfering with wound healing to induce pain. Typically, these acts of self-harm are not intended to be fatal and are often performed in private and in a controlled manner.
Self-harm is prevalent in young adolescents with females more susceptible to do so than males. Although the percentage is lower in adulthood, it is still a problem that affects all ages—even those as young as 5 to 10 years old.
Why do people self-harm?
When emotions build up, they can become overwhelming and difficult to manage. Self-harm can be a way for those struggling to express their distress and seek relief from emotional pain.
It's a complex behavior influenced by various factors including:
Mental Health Disorders
Conditions like depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or eating disorders can make individuals more vulnerable to self-harm. These mental health conditions often involve intense emotional turmoil, negative self-perception, and difficulty regulating emotions. In such cases, self-harm can appear as a desperate attempt to cope with overwhelming stress and feelings.
Trauma, Neglect & Abuse
Those who have experienced trauma, neglect, abuse, or any form of distressing events may often struggle to process and manage intense emotions. Some turn to self-harm as a way to escape their reality or feel a sense of control. It’s a way for them to distract themselves by focusing on the physical sensation instead of their struggles.
Others would hurt themselves as a form of self-punishment believing that they deserve the pain because of what they experienced.
Media Influence & Stereotypes
Portrayals of self-harm in TV series, books, or social media can sometimes romanticize self-harm. The media inadvertently normalizes it by portraying it as a glamorous or edgy behavior, especially among young people. A good example of this is the “emo” or gothic culture, which often associates self-harm with rebellion, sensitivity, and artistic expression. In this subculture, you’d often see razors being iconized in music, fashion, and art.
TV series and movies also may portray self-harm loosely without proper context or sensitivity, which can inadvertently romanticize or normalize it as a way to cope when characters are experiencing emotional distress. This can be particularly harmful to young viewers who may be struggling with their own mental health issues and may see self-harm as a viable solution.
Signs to look out for
Those who self-harm often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their behavior and may go to great lengths to conceal it from others. If you're worried or concerned about someone, here are some signs to look out for:
Physical
Unexplained cuts, bruises, bite marks or burns
Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in warm weather
Frequent reports of accidental injury
Keeping sharp objects or other potentially harmful items
Emotional
Talks about despair, worthlessness, and hopelessness
Increased irritability or aggression
Decline in performance (school or work)
Seems withdrawn and often by themselves
How to support those who self-harm
Supporting someone who self-harms requires empathy, understanding, and patience. It's not a one-time fix; there's often much to unpack, including the root causes and the impact on the individual.
So before anything else, it's crucial to avoid harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. Have an open and non-judgmental conversation. Validate their feelings and create a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.
Once they're comfortable, encourage them to seek professional help. Self-harm is a complex issue, one that needs a multifaceted approach. A mental health professional can provide therapy and other treatments to address the underlying issues contributing to self-harm.
Remember, you're not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, help is available. Arbor Intensives is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that specializes in emotional health, including issues regarding self-harm. Our program offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal from their struggles and break free.
Contact us today and let's start healing.