*I'm just getting started with this section. Check back soon for updates! I'm expecting the FAQ page to be finished by 11/01/01.*
What is Self Injury?
Self Injury is when someone hurts themselves intentionally. The forms of SI range from hitting and slapping to cutting, burning, and bone breaking. Self Injury is not when you accidentally hurt yourself. It is when someone hurts themselves intentionally.
Why do people hurt themselves?
Self Injury helps people for different reasons. Some people don't feel alive and are disassociated from their feelings and bodies. When they hurt themselves, it shows that they're still alive. For others, they are so sad that physical pain is better than emotional pain. Cutting often gives you a feeling of euphoria. It's a wonderful stress relief. If you're too tense, you cut yourself and the stress flows out with your blood. Yet another reason is because they want to punish themselves. As in my case, I felt as though I deserved to hurt because I was so horrible. For me it was also linked with abuse; It was a kind of pain that only I could produce. I hurt myself so no one else could.
Are people who hurt themselves trying to commit suicide?
No. If anything, they are trying to stay alive. Trying to cope and make sure they are still alive. If they are suicidal, it is a completely different matter all together, and may or may not be related to hurting themselves.
How do people start hurting themselves?
Wow. Most people don't even know how they started. I have a friend who was crying and scratched herself up with the metal part of a bookmark without even really realizing what she was doing. Others hear about it and think it might make them feel better, so they try it. There are many ways.
At what age do people usually start hurting themselves?
That really depends. Some people start hurting themselves before they're even 7 years old. Some people don't start until their 30's or 40's. Generally speaking, though, Self Injury starts when the person is in their teens--between the ages of 13 and 20. The years between being 14 and 17 are the main times, but there is not "magical age" where it starts or where people are predisposed to starting.
Is Self Injury done for attention?
No, no, no. Though it is untrue, this is a common belief. Another common one is that it's a "cry for help," which it isn't. At all. Most people who hurt themselves are very private about it, and cringe at the thought of anyone finding out. They go to great legnths to hide their scars and places that are hurt. It is a very personal, almost sacred thing to some. Something that they do to themselves and no one can take away.
How many people do this?
More than you might think. Though it isn't very common, about 1 in every 200 teenagers hurt themselves, and about 1% of the population hurts themselves in one way or another.
I have a friend/family member who hurts themselves. What should I do?
Visit my For Family and Friends section of this website for answers.
