Self-Injury 

Sometimes called "deliberate self-harm", "self-mutilation" or "cutting", self-injurious behavior typically refers to a variety of behaviors in which an individual purposefully inflicts harm to his or her body for purposes not socially sanctioned or recognized and without suicidal intent.

What is self-injury?

Activities vary. Individuals who self-injure may be known to engage in the intentional cutting of the skin and subdermal tissue, scratching, burning, or ripping or pulling skin or hair. More severe behaviors include swallowing toxic substances, bruising and breaking bones. Self-injury may be visible on the hands, arms or wrists but the self-injury may also be directed at other less visible body parts such as the stomach, thighs or legs.

Who self-injures?

There is no one profile that fits someone who may self-injure. Individuals experiencing distress may attempt self-injury as a way to cope with their feelings. It may be an expression of feelings that are not understood or known. Self-injury may accompany other issues that students struggle with such as past sexual abuse or eating disorders. Although there is a common assumption that self-injury is a predominantly female-driven concern, recent studies suggest self-injurers are only slightly more likely to be female than male. Some studies have found that men self-injure as often as women do.

Why do people self-injure?

Reasons vary. When asked, some self-injurers report the need to engage in these behaviors due to overwhelming sadness, anxiety, emotional distress, anxiety or emotional numbness. Some report that self-injuring provides a way to cope with what otherwise would be emotionaly intolerable; a way to "feel" something when they are unable to express difficult emotions in another way.

Is self-injury a suicide attempt?

Self-injury is, most often, not a suicidal gesture. Self-injury is often a sign of underlying, unresolved distress and the behavior provides a coping mechanism for the mental distress an individual may experience. That is not to say there is never a relationship between self-injury and suicide. But self-injury is most often a response to an unmanageable level of distress. However, injuries could be severe enough to require medical attention.

Is there help available?

The practice is often secretive and hidden. However, more and more students and friends report knowing someone personally who self-injures or who they suspect self-injures. Individuals to whom someone discloses self injury or who may observe scars or marks on the skin, can ask non-threatening questions, such as "Would you be willing to share what happened?", "Would you tell me how you got that scar?", "I'm concerned. Tell me how I can help?". Self injurers may benefit from the attention and non-judgmental concern expressed. Encouraging self-injurers to talk about what is going on and exploring the meaning of the behavior may be a first step.

Care and services for individuals at Cornell who want to address their deliberate self-harm can be found at Gannett's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Appointments can be made at 607-255-5208.

Concerned friends can also consult with a CAPS staff member about how to talk with someone they know who self-injures.

Useful websites:

SAFE Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-366-8288.

A nationally recognized treatment and educational resource committed to helping people stop self-injurious behavior.

Self Injury and Related Issues (SIARI).

An international internet service based in the UK.

The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior offers a review of research and resource information.

A factsheet on self-injury from the National Mental Health Association is available on the NMHA website.