Self-Injury: Understanding, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Self-harm is defined as some form of self-injury whereby an individual will intentionally inflict damage to their skin as a way of coping with deep emotional struggles, distress, or even numbness. Misconceptions surrounding self-harm cause stigma which makes it difficult for affected people to get help.  Understanding the self inflicted injury meaning is essential to differentiate it from suicidal attempts.

What is Self-Inflicted Injury? 

Self-inflicted injury is defined as the act of hurting oneself to cope with negative emotions. It is often used to cope with something rather than a method of attempting to take one’s life. Self-harm might occur because a person wants to feel something when they are numb or relieve pent up emotions. Clinically, non suicidal self injury disorder is recognised as a mental health concern that warrants professional attention.

The Psychology Behind Self-Injurious Behaviour 

People often engage in these behaviours because of emotion regulation difficulties or the need to gain control over a situation. This type of self injurious behavior often stems from unresolved emotional conflicts or trauma. These behaviours can provide relief when feelings of overwhelm or disconnection are present. For some individuals, self-injury transforms into a conditioned reflex to emotional struggling. Long-term self injurious behavior may become habitual and difficult to control without intervention.

Types of Self-Injurious Behaviours 

People may hurt themselves in diverse ways based on what is available or most effective at any point in time. Each type of self-injury can have different implications for physical and mental health. These behaviours are often repetitive in nature and may worsen over time if left unchecked. Recognising various forms of self injurious behavior can help identify those at risk. 

Cutting and Scratching 

This involves the use of sharp implements to pierce the skin on regions such as arms, legs, and torso. Can offer temporary emotional relief or serve as a distraction. For some, it externalises undeclared internal pain. 

Burning 

Deliberately using heat, such as fire from matches or heated objects to inflict burns. Such actions may inflict deep tissue damage and may persist long after the infliction of burns.  

Self-Hitting or Banging 

Includes punching oneself or striking various body parts against hard objects or surfaces. It can be used to punish oneself and cope with frustration. 

These actions may cause bruises or internal injuries. Without proper self injurious behavior treatment, these acts may escalate over time.

Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) 

A compulsive desire to remove hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other regions, pulling it out. Often occurs when a person is anxious or stressed. It can cause bald patches and feelings of embarrassment or shame. This behaviour is also recognised as a form of self inflicted injury that often goes unnoticed.

Interfering with Wound Healing 

Picking at scabs or reopening previously healed wounds. It can slow down the recovery process and result in infections. This may be done to some extent to control visible signs of pain. 

Causes of Self-Inflicted Injuries 

Self-injurious behaviour tends to arise due to psychological factors, social contexts, and biological aspects interacting with one another. Understanding these multilayered issues is essential for proper treatment and support.  

Psychological Factors 

These emotional, internal factors are very likely to increase risks:  

• Coping with unbearable emotional pain leads to an unmanageable burden.  

• Feelings of numbness or emptiness.  

• Low self-esteem or self-hatred.  

• Inability to verbally articulate feelings.  

Social & Environmental Influences 

External factors and traumatic events also contribute:  

• Bullying or Abuse.  

• Family conflicts or neglect.  

• Peer influence or pressure.  

• Social media glamorising self-harm.  

Biological Considerations 

Mental health conditions may act as a catalyst for self-injury: 

• Related to depression or mood disorders 

• Generalised anxiety disorder 

• PTSD and trauma-related disorders 

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) 

Symptoms and Behaviours Associated with Self-Injury 

Identifying these symptoms is critical for effective self-injury intervention. Such symptoms may be physical in nature, emotional, or behavioural. Recognising signs of self injurious behavior is key in early prevention and care.

Physical Signs 

Unexplainable marks on the body which can be disguised as “accidental” injuries: 

• Scars in similar areas, unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns. 

• Wear long sleeves in warm weather. 

• Such attire can indicate a desire to shield others from seeing one's injuries. 

Emotional Indicators 

Increased emotional distress is common alongside self-injury: 

• Persistent sadness or irritability 

• Intense shame or guilt 

• Escaping reality 

• Difficulty expressing feelings verbally. 

Emotional outbursts are sometimes linked to untreated non suicidal self injury disorder.

Behavioural Patterns 

Alteration within one’s self-care routines, as well as changes to daily activities, could serve as self-harming activities: 

• Isolating from friends or family  

• Retaining nearby sharp implements  

• Concealing body parts  

• Refusal to engage in activities such as swimming or wearing contradictory clothing changes 

Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Disorder 

Such behaviour has been outlined in the mental health diagnosis, where self-inflicted injury has taken place without fatal intent, with no intent to impact well-being but rather self-functioning. 

Diagnostic Criteria 

An individual must be diagnosed with these criteria if the behaviour is executed deliberately, done on multiple occasions, and does not have any suicidal ramifications.  

• The behaviour must be undertaken for some reason such as alleviating discomfort or settling interpersonal disputes.  

• Every manifestation must result in substantial discomfort and or an obstruction to routine activities.  

• Diagnosis must be made by relevant experts in mental health. 

When repeated over time, these acts may fall under clinically defined patterns of self inflicted injury.

Differentiating from Suicidal Behaviour 

Self-injury is thought of as a coping strategy one employs as opposed to an attempt to take one's life.  

Those enduring self-harm do fall into elevated risks towards suicidality over an extended duration. The distinction between suicide attempts and non suicidal self injury is critical in clinical treatment.

Intent 

This is not often an attempt at suicide, but rather some sort of expression of intense emotions. Many do it to punish themselves because of emotional turmoil, or trying to feel something when out of numbness. 

Severity of Injury 

Self-inflicted injuries may range from superficial scratches to deep gashes that require medical intervention. 

Frequency and Patterns 

Self-inflicted violence can be of a sporadic nature, whereas in some people, it can become habitual. There are behavioural patterns that clearly distinguish. 

Repeated acts often indicate that more professional help is needed and may be associated with ongoing emotional or psychological issues. 

Communication 

Self-injury is sometimes a silent plea for help. Those in pain may not have the words to communicate their struggle and instead resort to using physical violence. Understanding this as communication allows for caring and practical interventions from family and professionals. 

Emotional State and Underlying Issues 

Self-inflicted harm might psychologically actually stem from deep emotional scarring. The internal conflict may originate from guilt, feelings of shame, anger, and even emptiness.  

Who Is Most at Risk of Self-Injury, and Why? 

The self-harm risk increases among emotionally distressed groups, particularly the youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with underlying mental health issues. 

Teenagers and Young Adults 

Due to shifting hormones, identity exploration, and peer-pressure, adolescents are particularly vulnerable during this stage.  

Self-harm or inflicting pain may be a coping mechanism for stress, bullying, and emotional overwhelm—especially in the absence of robust emotional support systems. 

People Who Identify as LGB 

LGB individuals may be subjected to discrimination, stigma, and rejection, which increase vulnerability to self-harming behaviours.  

Struggles with acceptance and internalised shame may increase emotional distress. The absence of safe, affirming spaces perpetuates these behaviours. 

People with Mental Health Conditions 

The presence of one or more mental health disorders significantly increases the possibility of engaging in self-injurious behaviour.  

Mental health disorders, especially those involving anxiety, depression, BPD, and PTSD, greatly increase the risk of self-injury.  

Effects of Self-Harm on Physical & Mental Health 

The term self-harming actions encompass a wide range of self-destructive behaviours. It includes affecting oneself physically or emotionally. A clear understanding of self inflicted injury meaning helps clinicians and loved ones assess the potential physical and emotional impact.

Immediate Risks (Infection, Severe Bleeding, Nerve Damage) 

Self-harm is likely to be accompanied by serious medical issues such as infection, bleeding, and irreversible damage to nerves. Even a simple injury can, in the absence of adequate treatment, become more complicated. Professional intervention and thorough evaluation are essential to mitigate injury and avoid future complications. 

Long-Term Consequences (Chronic Pain, Psychological Distress) 

Engaging in repetitive self-injury can lead to chronic bodily harm such as pain and permanent scars.  

Psychologically, it heightens the reliance on maladaptive coping strategies and increases distress. 

Link Between Self-Harm and Suicidal Tendencies 

While self-injury is not always a suicide attempt, it significantly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. 

Over time, repeated self-harm can escalate emotional pain.
Early intervention and mental health care are essential in reducing the risk of suicide. 

Treatment Strategies for Self-Injurious Behaviour 

As behavioural health practitioners have thought of rehabilitation of the self-injurious clients, they are in dire need of long-term medical care to assist in addressing the mental issues attached to self-harming actions. Therefore, in self-injurious behaviours there is the need for core interdisciplinary work to meet the underlying conditions that lead to self-injurious actions. Specialised self injurious behavior treatment plans involve therapists, psychiatrists, and support systems.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

Through cognitive-behavioural therapy, more appropriate coping mechanisms can be cultivated as harmful emotional triggers are understood.  

Structured and goal-driven Sequential CBT (SCBT) is effective in reducing self-harming behaviours over time, as it helps identify problematic emotions alongside appropriate coping mechanisms. 

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 

The purpose of DBT is emotional regulation and distress toleration, focusing on one’s ability to cope with extreme feelings.  

Medication Management 

In cases where mental health issues co-occur with self-harm, the use of appropriate medications can assist in the recovery process.  

Underlying self-harm symptoms could be relieved using antidepressants or mood stabilisers.  

Developing a Personalised Treatment Plan 

Because each case of self-harm is unique, tailored treatment is essential for optimum effectiveness.  

Therapists collaborate closely alongside the individual to help them set specific goals, track their progress, adjust strategies, and ensure support corresponds appropriately with the person’s emotional state. 

Prevention and Management of Self-Injury 

Risk for self-injury is mitigated best through proactive care and fostered supportive environments. 

When strong coping strategies are in place alongside early support and awareness, self-injurious behaviours can be effectively managed and even prevented. 

Early Intervention Approaches 

Addressing self-harming behaviour promptly yields optimal outcomes.  

Youth counselling, school programs, and candid discussions can promote emotional literacy. This allows the prevention of chronic maladaptive coping strategies from developing. Timely self injurious behavior treatment can help prevent severe outcomes.

Support Systems and Counselling 

Family, friends, and therapists can provide motivation and empathy. Involving support networks with knowledge about non suicidal self injury disorder greatly improves the chances of recovery. Counselling allows for the expression of feelings in a safe environment and teaches alternative methods to self-harm. 

Family Involvement in Prevention 

Words of affirmation can bolster resilience towards negative influences.  

Instead of, “Why would you do that?” use “I’m here for you.”  

Trust-building without judgement is essential. Do not accuse or trivialise their struggles and do not minimise their struggles or suggest professional help.  

Addressing Underlying Mental Health Issues 

Managing self-injury starts with identifying the underlying issues.  

Behaviours such as anxiety, trauma, or depression need to be addressed simultaneously. Therapy and/or medication can help stabilise intense emotions and mitigate the urge to self-harm. 

Coping Mechanisms and Alternatives 

Replacing harmful behaviours with constructive actions is essential.  

Emotional arousal can be managed through art, writing, exercise, or grounding techniques. A therapist can help individuals identify the most suitable strategies. 

Why Choose Cadabam's Hospital for Self-Injury Treatment? 

At Cadabam’s Hospital, we take pride in providing specialised self-injury care with the most sensitive attention in a supportive environment. Our therapists, psychiatrists, and counsellors collaboratively formulate personalised recovery plans, ensuring every individual's needs are met.  

We offer therapies grounded in proven medical research, constant oversight of individuals, and comprehensive care to aid individuals towards lasting health. If you or your loved ones need support, we are always ready to provide support. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Hospitals can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their self inflicted injury. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com. 

FAQs 

How can self-injury be prevented? 

With reasoning, prevention can be achieved with mental support frameworks that educate properly with the right conversations pertaining to a person’s mental health.  

What can you do about self-injurious behaviour? 

Understand the emotional issues first and seek professional guidance.  

Alternate coping strategies such as voicing emotions through journaling and exercising.  

What are the diagnostic criteria for non-suicidal self-injury? 

Non suicidal self-injury is defined by the DSM-5 as self-injurious behaviour without suicidal intent occurring on five or more days within the past year.  

What treatments are available for self-harm? 

The most prevalent ones are psychotherapy with CBT or DBT, and treatment with prescribed medication for the other accompanying disorders.