Self-mutilation or self-harm is more common than most people realize—and far more complex. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, understanding the causes, risks, and most importantly, the path to recovery can be life-changing and treatment for self-mutilation is available.
What Is Self Mutilation or Self-Harm?
Self-harm, also known as self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the act of deliberately hurting one’s body as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or intense feelings (Source). Self abuse is another term for self-harm, and it encompasses a range of behaviors. It’s not about attention-seeking or a suicide attempt—in fact, many people who self-harm do so in secret. While self-harm is not usually intended as a suicide attempt, individuals who self injure are at higher risk of developing suicidal behavior or may eventually attempt suicide. But the emotional distress underneath can be profound and, if left untreated, may increase the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide risk.
This behavior most often begins during adolescence, especially for those with a history of trauma, abuse, or untreated mental health disorders. But people of all ages and backgrounds can struggle with self-harm.
Self injury, is a serious mental health condition that affects many people, particularly young people and those with a history of trauma or mental health conditions. Adolescent mental health is especially important, and there is a growing need for resources and awareness specifically tailored to adolescents to support their unique challenges.
Self harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning, can be a coping mechanism for difficult emotions, but they can also lead to serious medical complications and increased risk of suicidal thoughts. The most common form of self-injury is skin cutting, which often results in visible scars or cuts. Other behaviors include burning, hitting, excessive scratching (sometimes drawing blood), and inserting objects into body openings. People who self injure may try to hide their injuries by wearing long sleeves, even in hot weather. It’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional if you or someone you know is engaging in self harm behaviors.
Common forms of self-injury include:
- Cutting or scratching the skin
- Burning
- Hitting or punching oneself
- Interfering with wound healing
- Head banging
These behaviors may temporarily relieve emotional pain, but they can create a dangerous cycle—one that can feel impossible to break without help.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
Self-harm is a way of expressing difficult emotions that feel overwhelming, confusing, or numbing. People who self-injure often describe it as a way to:
- Relieve intense emotions
- Regain a sense of control
- Punish themselves
- Escape emotional numbness
It’s a coping mechanism—but a harmful one. And like all mental health concerns, it deserves compassionate treatment and evidence-based support.
Understanding Risk Factors
Self-injury rarely exists in isolation. It’s often linked to underlying mental health conditions and life experiences that need to be addressed in treatment.
Common risk factors include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Personality disorders
- PTSD and unresolved trauma
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- History of abuse or neglect
- Difficulty with impulse control or emotional regulation
Environmental factors like social isolation, academic or peer pressure, and lack of emotional support can also increase vulnerability—especially in teens and young adults.
Individuals with these and other mental health conditions are at higher risk for self-injury and suicide. Recognizing the presence of personality disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions is crucial for early intervention and comprehensive treatment.
People Who Self-Harm
People who self harm often face overwhelming emotional pain and struggle with underlying mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder, depression, or anxiety. For many, self harming behaviors become a coping mechanism to manage difficult emotions, intense emotions, or persistent negative feelings that feel impossible to express in healthy ways. Individuals who self harm may feel helpless, isolated, or misunderstood, and may not know how to reach out for support.
It’s important to understand that people who self harm are not seeking attention or trying to manipulate others. Instead, they are often battling a personality disorder or other mental health challenges that make it hard to regulate emotions or develop effective coping strategies. Recognizing the signs of self harming and approaching the topic with empathy can make a significant difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a mental health professional can be the first step toward healing and learning healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
How Mental Health Impacts Self Mutilation
Mental health conditions can intensify the emotional struggles that lead to self-injury. For many, self-harm becomes a coping strategy when they feel like they have no other way to deal with overwhelming emotions or intrusive thoughts.
Working with a therapist or counselor is essential to uncover the root causes and build new, healthier ways to process emotions.
Eating Disorders and Self-Harm
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder frequently co-occur with self harm behaviors. Individuals dealing with eating disorders may turn to self injury as a way to cope with emotional pain, low self esteem, or difficulties with impulse control. For some, self harm provides a temporary sense of relief or control when other aspects of life feel overwhelming.
Mental health professionals recognize that both eating disorders and self harm are complex mental health issues that often require specialized treatment. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of talk therapy, has proven effective in helping individuals develop healthier coping skills, regulate emotions, and find new ways to express emotions without resorting to self harming behaviors. Addressing both the eating disorder and self harm together can lead to more lasting recovery and improved overall mental health.
Effective Treatment for Self Mutilation
🧠 Therapy and Counseling
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This evidence-based approach helps individuals manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behavior. It’s particularly effective for those with BPD or chronic self-harm.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Helps address past abuse or traumatic experiences that may be fueling the behavior.
- Family Therapy: Educates and involves loved ones to create a safe, supportive environment. Bringing a trusted family member to therapy sessions can provide additional support and help ensure continuity of care.
- Group Therapy: Offers community, accountability, and a space to share coping strategies.
💊 Medication Support
In some cases, medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to treat underlying mental health conditions. Medication is often used in combination with therapy for more comprehensive care.
🏥 Inpatient or Crisis Intervention
If self-harm is frequent, severe, or accompanied by suicidal thoughts, inpatient care or psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary to ensure immediate safety and stabilization.
Self-Injury Prevention
Preventing self injury involves a proactive and comprehensive approach that includes mental health services, education, and strong support systems. Recognizing risk factors—such as underlying mental health conditions, substance abuse, or a history of trauma—can help individuals and families take early action to reduce the likelihood of self harm. Developing healthy coping strategies, like exercise, mindfulness, or creative activities, can empower individuals to manage difficult emotions in safer ways.
Practical steps, such as removing access to sharp objects or harmful substances, can make the environment safer for those at risk. Family members and caregivers play a vital role by offering a non-judgmental, supportive space and encouraging open communication about mental health struggles. In situations where self injury is severe or escalating, inpatient hospitalization or emergency care may be necessary to provide a safe environment and more intensive treatment. By working together and utilizing available mental health services, we can help prevent self harm and support healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Building Healthy Coping Strategies
Self-harm often replaces healthier emotional outlets. Part of treatment involves building new ways to cope, including:
- Journaling or creative expression
- Mindfulness and deep breathing exercises
- Exercise and movement-based practices like yoga or walking
- Limiting access to sharp or triggering objects
- Creating a safety plan for high-risk moments
- Talking to a trusted friend or support person
Making Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Healing
Healing from self-harm is about more than stopping the behavior. It’s about creating a life that feels worth living. That includes:
- Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and movement
- Avoiding harmful or triggering environments
- Cultivating self-compassion and forgiveness
- Setting small, manageable goals for recovery
- Celebrating progress—even when it feels slow
The Role of Support Systems
No one should go through this alone. Support from loved ones can make a powerful difference. If you’re supporting someone who self-harms:
- Educate yourself about self-injury
- Avoid judgment or shame-based reactions
- Be patient—recovery takes time
- Encourage professional help and offer to go with them
- Create an environment of safety and trust
Finding Hope and Moving Forward
Overcoming self-harm is possible. With the right treatment, support, and tools, individuals can learn to manage emotions in healthier ways and begin to heal both physically and emotionally.
If you or someone you love is struggling with self-harm, know this: there is help, there is hope, and healing is always possible. Speak to a mental health professional at Empower U, reach out to a support group, or talk to someone you trust.
Your story is not over. This can be the beginning of a new chapter.