Self-Harming Behaviors

What is self-harm?

Self-harm or self-injury is an action that some people use for coping with their problems. Some have reported they use self-harm because:

• Of a problem expressing feelings or they can’t find the words to ask for help
• They can’t identify or express feelings
• It may distract from the difficulties of life
• They think it is a release of emotional pain or
• They think it helps them to feel something

After the self-harming act, there is a short time of feeling better – a short time – but then, the hurtful feelings return and the need to harm themselves again hits!

Self-injury includes:

• Cutting
• Scratching
• Picking scabs or interfering with wound healing
• Burning
• Punching self or something else
• Infecting oneself
• Inserting objects in body opening
• Bruising or breaking bones
• Some forms of hair pulling
• Other various forms of bodily harm…

Some Warning Signs:

• Unexplained frequent injury including cuts and burns
• Wearing long pants and sleeves in warm weather
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty handling feelings
• Relationship problems
• Poor functioning at work, school or home

If you are experiencing one or more these symptoms of self-harming behaviors we can help, there is no need to suffer – we can be reached via phone, email, or through the website.