Lesson 2.7 Self-harm

A common struggle that some people may experience is self-harm.

Self-Harm: Self-harm or self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose. One common method is cutting with a sharp object. But any time someone deliberately hurts themself is classified as self-harm. Some people feel an impulse to cause burns, pull out hair or pick at wounds to prevent healing. Extreme injuries can result in broken bones (NAMI, 2021).

A person’s path to wellness may be very different if they have a sleep disorder, participate in self-harm, are at risk of suicide, have a substance use disorder, smokes, or are on the autism spectrum. The person’s doctor and mental health provider are there to support them as they learn how to overcome various obstacles that may accompany these additional hurdles.

There are many components that factor into a person’s treatment plan. A treatment plan is a detailed document that outlines an agreed upon plan, goals, and therapy intervention.

As you navigate how to help them, understanding the definition of self-harm, and helpful actions to take, may aid you in providing compassionate care.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology. (2021). The Punished Self, the Unknown Self, and the Harmed Self – Toward a More Nuanced Understanding of Self-Harm Among Adolescent Girls. (Text-version)

Video: What is self-harm? Talking about mental health – Episode 15 [6:26]

Zainab, Lechelle, Debbie and Ben talk about their experience of self-harm, what causes it, how it feels and how they think people can help.

Helping Someone Who Self-Harms

Some ways that you can make a difference in someone’s life and help them is by letting the person know that you are there to help, by being non-judgemental, by helping them explore their options, and by sharing information about local support groups, help lines, and community mental health organizations.