SELF-HARM

About Self-Harm

Sometimes when people are dealing with poor mental health or a mental illness, they cope by purposefully injuring themselves to help them feel better and more in control of their emotions. Self-injury in itself is not a mental illness and is not meant to end the person's life, but is typically a sign that something deeper is going on that needs care and support.

Self-injury can affect anybody, but is more common in youth during their teenage years. Self-injury is also more likely to affect females and those who have gone through stressful or traumatic life events, or those who have a hard time coping with their feelings or low self-esteem.

Common Types of Self-Harm

Cutting skin
Burning skin
Hitting yourself
Preventing wounds from healing

Reasons People Self-Injure

To cope with anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, or other difficult situations
To ‘punish’ themselves
To turn emotional pain into physical pain
To 'feel' when experiencing emotional numbness
To feel in control of their bodies

Signs & Symptoms

Frequent unexplained injuries and scars
Wearing clothing to cover up injured areas at all times
Low self-esteem
Problems handling emotions
Problems with relationships

What To Do About It

If you self-harm, it's important to talk to someone you trust - a friend, family member, teacher, or anyone that you feel comfortable with. These people can help connect you with professional support, like doctors or health care professionals. While self-injury is not a mental illness, it is important to address the deeper issues that are causing it to help you heal both physically and emotionally.

It's also important to take care of your injuries to make sure that they do not get infected or too serious. If you are worried about your injuries, talk to your doctor, go to your local emergency room, or call 9-1-1 in emergency situations.

Who To Talk To:

A parent
A teacher
Your family doctor
A psychologist
A psychiatrist
A counsellor
A social worker
A peer support worker

SOURCES: Canadian Mental Health Association