Self-Injury is when you hurt your body on purpose. Someone who engages in self-injurious behaviors may be experiencing extreme emotions such as anxiety or depression. They may not have appropriate and healthy ways of coping with their feelings; therefore they use self-injury as a form of release. They may injure themselves to feel "real" again or to punish themselves.
Self-Injury is not the same as being suicidal; however, someone who engages in self-injury may also be suicidal. Both are very serious and need to be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal you should get professional help immediately. Tell a parent, an adult you trust, or someone who can help right away. If you can't get someone to help you or do not know what to do, call 911 or go to the closest hospital emergency room.
The forms and severity of self-injury can vary, although the most commonly-seen behavior is cutting, burning, and head-banging.
Other forms of self-injurious behavior include:
carving
scratching
branding
marking
burning/abrasions
biting
bruising
hitting
picking/pulling skin and hair
It's not self-injury if the primary purpose is:
sexual gratification
body decoration (e.g., body piercing, tattooing)
spiritual enlightenment via ritual
fitting in or being cool
Here are some ways to use up nervous energy:
- go for a long walk
- dance to loud music
- shoot hoops or kick soccer goals
- go jogging
- clean your room
Here are some ways to relax and de-stress:
- take a bath or a hot shower
- listen to music
- write in a journal
- talk to a friend
- prayer
- read a good book
Many teens find that keeping busy and spending time with good friends and family helps the most.
