What is non-suicidal self-harm?

A sign of non-suicidal self-injury is injuries that seem unusual. These include multiple cuts or deep scratches on a child's arms, legs, or stomach. Another sign is odd blood stains on clothing. A child may cover injuries with long sleeves and bandages. A child may also avoid activities that need less clothing, like swimming.

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.

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

First, find a counselor that you trust. Then work together to make a plan to keep you safe. A counselor can help you find healthy ways to manage emotions. For example, you may learn that deep breathing calms you. Try joining a support group. Consider asking for support from trusted friends and family members.

You can look for things that make self-injury more likely. Children may be at risk if they:

• Have self-injured before.
• Feel hopeless.
• Have certain health conditions such as a personality disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or an eating disorder.
• Don't have healthy ways to manage emotions like anger or sadness.
• Feel numb or empty. They may turn to self-injury to feel something.
• Are stressed or anxious about problems at school or at home.
• Have low self-esteem.
• Have a history of trauma.
• Have a history of abuse.
• Have a friend who self-injures.
• Are LGBTQ+. Issues like bullying and discrimination can contribute to an increased risk.

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.