Thoughtful Thursday: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)

Trigger Warning: This thread contains information concerning self-harm which can be distressing for some of us.

Understanding Self-harm

• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is when an individual deliberately harms themselves without an intent to die.

• It is considered a maladaptive/harmful way of coping with distress. Individuals do it to distract themselves from negative emotions, punish themselves, or reduce feeling numb.

• It often exists alongside disorders such as eating disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and anxiety disorder. Sometimes, it’s a known symptom, as in BPD.

• Self-harm does not have the same effect on all individuals. A healthy person might try it but not continue. However, in case of underlying issues, individuals might continue it because it feels good for them temporarily.

• Some are more vulnerable than others to engage in self-harm, especially those who find it difficult to handle everyday stressors. It is prevalent in adolescents because various stressors make them a high-risk group and they’re also more likely to try out methods such as self-harm.

• Self-harm is usually an indication that better coping mechanisms need to be established so the individual responds to the same distress with ways that work better for them. Ex, journaling, mindfulness, sports, high-intensity workouts, and so on.

• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is known to be effective in reducing self-harm.

Question

Q. What do you think about self-harm?

Refer to crisis resources here if necessary.

References

Jeanie Lerche Davis. (2005, August 15). Cutting and Self-Harm: Warning Signs and Treatment. WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/cutting-self-harm-signs-treatment