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Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Table of Contents


Overview

What is non-suicidal self-injury?

Non-suicidal self-injury means that a person injures themself on purpose. For example, they may cut, scratch, or bite their skin until it bleeds. Self-injury is serious. So it's important to seek help from a health professional. People who self-injure don't do it to die. But some may also be thinking about suicide.

How is it diagnosed?

To assess, the doctor may ask how often the injuries happen and if they bleed, bruise, or cause pain. You may be asked how self-injuring makes you feel. The doctor also may ask questions to find out if you have other health conditions, like depression.

What puts you at risk?

There are things that may put you at risk of self-injury. For example, you may be at risk if you:

What are the signs?

Signs that a person might be self-injuring include:

If you or someone you know is self-injuring, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional.

How is it treated?

Self-injury is treated with counseling. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common types of counseling for self-injury. Medicines are sometimes used with counseling. Ask your doctor about the different types of treatment. Then you can decide together about what might work best.

How can you care for yourself?

Here are some ways you can care for yourself if you self-injure.

If it's an emergency, call 911.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.


Credits for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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