Contrary to popular belief, individuals who engage in self-harm or self-injurious behavior are neither suicidal nor attention-seeking. Self-harm is not a mental health disorder but a symptom of psychological distress. Numerous circumstances motivate someone to engage in self-harm or self-injurious behaviors ranging from feeling overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions that cannot be identified or expressed…
Most self-harm begins in adolescence, typically around age 14, and continues into early adulthood, especially without intervention. While girls are more prone to self-harm, it is a phenomenon that occurs across all demographics. Cutting is the most common type of self-harm, but it can take multiple forms. Research indicates that one in eight people engage…
Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a worldwide awareness event on March 1, marking the start of Self-Harm Awareness Month. In the United States alone, there are nearly two million reported cases of self-harm annually. Approximately 17% of all people will engage in self-harm in their lifetime. While self-harm is not a mental health disorder, it…
Learning that a friend or family member is engaging in self-harm can be deeply upsetting. You may feel frightened for their safety and confused or angry about why they are doing this to themselves. For a long time, self-injurious behavior was wrongly categorized as “attention-seeking” behavior. On the contrary, most self-harm individuals go to great…
We all experience difficult times when we feel overwhelmed by feelings like stress, anger, frustration, and sadness. However, it can be a challenge for many to find ways to cope with these feelings healthily. People who suffer from substance use or mental health disorders can especially struggle to utilize appropriate coping mechanisms. Unfortunately, turning to…