Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It's usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress.
What drives forms of self-harm like cutting that some teens engage in? Gaining an understanding of why some children harm themselves by cutting their skin, what signs to be aware of, and how to approach the subject can help parents respond if this occurs.
Cutting often begins during the teenage years—on average, between the ages of 12 and 14. One reason some people cut themselves is that they associate cutting with relief from emotional pain.
Cutting is not a choice but a sign of extreme distress. Treatment can help, while shame, anger, and judgment will not.
Cutting is often a coping mechanism that helps with negative emotions. Learn if cutting is addictive and possible treatment options.
Self-injury (Cutting, Self-Harm or Self-Mutilation) Self-injury, also known as self-harm, self-mutilation, or self-abuse—occurs when someone repeatedly harms themselves on purpose in a way that is impulsive and not intended to be lethal.
Relief from cutting or self-harm is short lived, and is quickly followed by other feelings like shame and guilt. Meanwhile, it keeps you from learning more effective strategies for feeling better.
Most of us know about cutting — using a sharp object like a razorblade, knife, or scissors to make marks, cuts, or scratches on one's own body. But cutting is just one form of self-injury.