What We Need To Know About Non-Suicidal Self Injury
Non-suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) is the intentional harming of one's own body. It is usually done in secret and on parts of the body that are not visible to others. Cutting is the most common type of self-injury, but there are many other types of self-injury, such as burning or punching the body, or picking at skin or sores.
In order to better understand and support people engage in NSSI, we need to know more about:
Why do people self-harm?
There are many reasons why people self-injure. People generally self-injure as a maladaptive coping strategy. People talk about self-harm as being a way to relieve pain, control, or express distressing feelings, thoughts, or memories. Some people injure themselves because they are lonely, while others harm themselves to punish themselves for feelings of guilt or shame.
However, the relief a person may feel after self-injuring may only be temporary, and the difficult feelings usually return at some point. When these feelings return, it is common for them to be accompanied by a renewed desire to self-injure. It is often difficult to break the cycle of self-harm.
Most people who self-injure are not attempting suicide, but there is a risk that they will injure themselves more than they intended, increasing their risk of suicide by accident. People who self-harm repeatedly may become suicidal, feeling hopeless and trapped.
Whatever the reason, self-harm is a serious problem that can have lasting consequences. If you or someone you know is self-harming, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are many support services available to help people who self-injure, and with the right help, it is possible to recover and lead a healthy and happy life.
How common is it?
Self-injury thoughts and acts are common among young people, and both are much more prevalent in girls than in boys. Between the ages of 14 and 17, 30% of young people had considered self-injury, and 18% had done so.
A small but significant proportion (4%) of girls engage in repeated self-injury. Almost two-thirds of those who did had attempted suicide by the age of 17.
How can we best support people who self-injure?
There are many ways to support someone who self-harms. If you are worried about someone, let them know you’re concerned and talk about it with them. Here are some suggestions:
1. Listen without judgement. It can be difficult to talk about self-harm, so make sure you create a safe and supportive environment for the person to open up. Listening allows you to gain a better understanding of what is going on and why. Be open to hearing what is going on without passing judgement and with respect.
2. Provide support. Let the person know you are available to talk if and when they’re ready.. You may find it difficult to understand, but you can help them. Be realistic; stopping self-injuring can take time. Encourage them when you notice them dealing with difficult situations without self-injury, and assist them in achieving the goals they set for themselves.
3. Encourage the person to seek professional help. This may mean that you help them make an appointment to see their GP or mental health professional (psychologist, Mental Health Social Worker).
4.Encourage positive coping mechanisms. Help the person identify healthy ways to cope with their emotions instead of self-harming. For example, they might benefit from talking to a therapist, journaling, or participating in outdoor activities.
5. Check in with them regularly. Let the person know that you care about them and are there for them. Checking in regularly can help prevent self-harm from occurring in the first place.
If you want to help someone who self-harms but is unsure where to get started, it's best to:
1. Seek Professional Help. Chat to your doctor or health professional and ask for advice on how you can help.
2. Take the MHFA for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Workshop
At Wellbeing Campus we offer 4 Hour MHFA for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury workshop for adults who live or work with adolescents to develop the skills to assist with deliberate self-injury behaviour.