The act of intentionally harming one's self without the intent to die. The most common forms are cutting, burning, scratching, excessive skin picking, and pulling out hair. Some less common forms are head-banging, bone breaking, self poisoning through ingesting toxic things, and even amputation. Some people also consider smoking, disordered eating, and excessive alcohol consumption to be forms of self harm.
For the most part, self-harm is not an attention-seeking behavior. Most often it is a coping mechanism which serves to get relief from overwhelming emotions. It may also be a way to punish one's self. Self harm releases endorphins, chemicals whose function is to decrease pain, which makes an individual feel better, possibly even euphoric.
For the most part, self-harm is not an attention-seeking behavior. Most often it is a coping mechanism which serves to get relief from overwhelming emotions. It may also be a way to punish one's self. Self harm releases endorphins, chemicals whose function is to decrease pain, which makes an individual feel better, possibly even euphoric.
When I'm angry or depressed, I feel like the only thing I can do is self harm. It's the only way I know how to make myself feel better.
by SomethingWiccaThisWayComes November 08, 2014
Someone who self-harms do this because they are often sad, they feel that feeling pysical pain will drown thier emotional pain. Not accociated with goths or punks or emo, it can happen to anyone. Although, some people do it for attention. Shoot those people.
She cuts herself because her boyfriend dumped her, so she uses self-harm to cause pysical pain, to drown out her emotional pain.
by Miss. Unique March 03, 2006
self harm is the act of harming the self.
This can include cuttiing, burning alcohol, drug or solvent abuse, self brusing and hair pulling triciollomania mongst other things. It is a coping method not a failed suicide attempt or a sign of being "emo"
This can include cuttiing, burning alcohol, drug or solvent abuse, self brusing and hair pulling triciollomania mongst other things. It is a coping method not a failed suicide attempt or a sign of being "emo"
Im worried about Janet, I think shes started to self-harm, she hasnt taken her hoodie off all summer.
by Howlie February 20, 2008
Self-harm refers to deliberate, intentional actions taken by an individual to cause physical harm to themselves. It is often associated with emotional distress, mental health issues, and a coping mechanism for dealing with intense emotions or psychological pain. Common methods of self-harm include cutting or scratching the skin, burning oneself, hitting or punching oneself, pulling out hair, or intentionally interfering with wound healing.
It's important to note that self-harm is not typically a suicide attempt, although it can be a risk factor for suicide. People who engage in self-harm often do so as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, to regain a sense of control, or to express their emotional pain when they don't have the words to describe it. It can become a maladaptive coping mechanism, providing temporary relief but not addressing the underlying issues.
Self-harm is often associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or eating disorders. It is crucial for individuals who engage in self-harm to seek professional help from mental health experts, therapists, or counselors. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotions and stress.
It's important to note that self-harm is not typically a suicide attempt, although it can be a risk factor for suicide. People who engage in self-harm often do so as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, to regain a sense of control, or to express their emotional pain when they don't have the words to describe it. It can become a maladaptive coping mechanism, providing temporary relief but not addressing the underlying issues.
Self-harm is often associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or eating disorders. It is crucial for individuals who engage in self-harm to seek professional help from mental health experts, therapists, or counselors. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and developing healthier coping mechanisms to manage emotions and stress.
If you or someone you know struggles with self-harm or suicidal ideation, please don't be afraid to reach out. It may be scary, but it will help you so much in the long run. I love you. Keep going. <3
by u-fig June 12, 2023
Self-Harm is a hallmark of end-stage depression. Oftentimes, the person just feels no numb inside that they just want to be able to feel something, no matter what the sensation may be. They often (if not always) wear long-sleeve shirts to conceal their wounds, lest someone discover them and realize something is very, very wrong.
Self-harming is very serious and should not be ignored. If you know someone who is doing it, get them to a hospital. Let them know they are loved and that they matter. And if you are that person...Read that last sentence again. You have a place in this world. No matter how difficult it may be to find your place...don't give up. Suicide does not end your suffering your good; it transfers it to your friends and family. Speaking of which, they care for you, too. (Or at least, I hope they do.)
Self-harming is very serious and should not be ignored. If you know someone who is doing it, get them to a hospital. Let them know they are loved and that they matter. And if you are that person...Read that last sentence again. You have a place in this world. No matter how difficult it may be to find your place...don't give up. Suicide does not end your suffering your good; it transfers it to your friends and family. Speaking of which, they care for you, too. (Or at least, I hope they do.)
by Ubeenbamboozledson August 23, 2021
The act of hurting one's self. Usually done as a way to release painful emotion, feel something etc. Types of self-harm include burning, cutting scratching, biting, breaking bones, bruising. Some may do it for attention, though people mostly don't.
If you're doing this, please please stop. This won't make your state better, no matter how you feel after doing it. Please see help. It's not shameful to want help.
If you're doing this, please please stop. This won't make your state better, no matter how you feel after doing it. Please see help. It's not shameful to want help.
P1: I want to confess something.
P2: What is it?
P1: I have been self-harming, specifically cutting and burning myself.
P2: I'm glad you are okay and talking to me. Please don't do this anymore, it isn't healthy and it won't make things better. Is there anything I can do?
P2: What is it?
P1: I have been self-harming, specifically cutting and burning myself.
P2: I'm glad you are okay and talking to me. Please don't do this anymore, it isn't healthy and it won't make things better. Is there anything I can do?
by scotchless April 07, 2021
by mypseudonymoof March 20, 2019