Self-Harm
What is it?
In general, self-harm and self-injury refer to intentional acts of hurting oneself. This intentional act is often the result of experiencing overwhelming emotions and/or thoughts. It may also be a way to release painful emotions rather than a suicide attempt. Though self-harm is not a mental health disorder, it is a very serious act that can often be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Resources that can help self-harm:
What Symptoms Might You Notice?
- Cutting or severely scratching your skin
- Burning or scalding yourself
- Hitting yourself or banging your head
- Punching things or throwing your body against walls and hard objects
- Intentionally preventing wounds from healing
- Ruminating thoughts about self-harming
If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get help. Reach out to us at (616) 331-3266 or stop by our office at 206 STU.
How Prevalent is Self-Harm?
According to the American Psychological Association,
- About 15 percent of college students have harmed themselves at least once
- About 17 percent of adolescents have self-harmed
- Young white females are the group most likely to self-harm
- Males represent between 35 and 50 percent of all people who self-harm
- Being a sexual minority increases the likelihood of engaging in self-harm
Things you can do to stop:
- Talk to a professional counselor
- Develop coping strategies such as thought-stopping techniques, mindfulness, or ways to regulate your emotions
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or another adult to increase your social support.
- Find other creative outlets to help you cope with your feelings.
Apps that help:
Calm Harm: Provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm; completely free to use.
Calm Harm Website | Calm Harm App Store | Calm Harm Google Play
Calm Urge: Record your daily feelings and find coping strategies and exercises to curb your urge to self-harm; has in-app paid subscriptions.
Calm Urge Website | Calm Urge App Store | Calm Urge Google Play
Suicide Safety Plan: Helps user to construct a safety plan to identify coping strategies, support networks, and how to manage suicide ideation; completely free to use.
Suicide Safety Plan Website | Suicide Safety Plan App Store | Suicide Safety Plan Google Play
Why do we Self-Harm
Self-Injury
Signs of Self Harm
Suicidal Ideation