What is Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)?

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, also known as Self-Injury, is the deliberate and intentional  cause of physical harm or damage to one`s body without the intent to kill oneself.  Self-Harmful behavior can often seem scary and overwhelming.  One type of self-harming behavior is cutting.  Self-harm and cutting behavior is a way of expressing ones pain, distressing thoughts and feelings of despair.  It includes anything a person would do to intentionally hurt themselves.  This behavior is engaged in as a way to relieve pain.


What Causes Non-Suicidal Self-Injury?

Many people who engage in Non-Suicidal Self-Harm behavior suffer from anxiety, depression, or a previous trauma.  They do not want to die, but rather they are trying to cope with their pain such as sadness, guilt, anger, or anxiety.


Signs and Symptoms of Non-Suicidal Self-Harm

Some common ways a person engages in Non-Suicidal Self-Harm is:

  • Cutting or repeatedly and severely scratching the skin
  • Intentionally burning oneself
  • Sticking oneself
  • Punching oneself
  • Biting oneself
  • Needle Sticking
  • Carving on self
  • Head Banging
  • Intentionally preventing wounds from healing
  • Swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects
  • Throwing your body against the wall


What Does Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Treatment Entail?

People who engage in self-harming behavior often feel alone, shameful, and guilty about their actions. Self-Harm and cutting don’t help with the issues that made you want to self-harm in the first place.  That is why it can be important to seek help for non-suicidal self injury.

The first step to getting help is to confide in someone else the problems you are having.  Finding someone you trust that will help guide you to help that is needed.  Professionals can help you learn to manage overwhelming feelings, identify triggers, and get in touch with your feelings. Once this has been accomplished the goal is to find new coping skills that you substitute for the cutting or self-harmful sensation.


How Do I Get Started?

The best place to start is by participating in an evaluation by mental health professional.  He/she can help diagnose Non-Suicidal Self Harm behavior, recommend a specific interventions and answer questions about the process.


If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, call or email today.