Self Injuring Behaviour

Often we do not know what self-harm is all about and do not understand it and because out of our insecurity we react to a person who self-harms in a way which is not helpful. Therefore this page should give a short overview what self-mutilation is that we won’t judge them anymore.

Definition of Self-Mutilation
Self-Injury which is also known as self-harm; self-mutilation; self-abuse; and self inflicted violence, is defined as the deliberate harming or alteration of one’s body tissue without the conscious intent to commit suicide. Integral to this definition are several key concepts.

• First, self-injury is an act done to the self.
• Second, it is done by the self.
• Third, it must include some type of physical violence.
• Fourth, self-injury is not undertaken with the intent to kill oneself.
• And fifth, it is an intentional act.

Often people who do self-mutilation haven been abused (either physically, emotionally or sexually) already in their childhood or suffer from depression or have a borderline personality disorder.
There is a variety of reasons why people do self-harm, for example:

• It is a way of self-punishment
• They don’t know how to express emotions and self-injuring is a coping mechanism
• Through self-harm they try to get self-control
• People who self-harm often are dissociated and with the pain they see they can see they are still alive
• It is a way to release anger

They do not self harm because they want to seek attention.
How can you tell that someone is injuring themselves:
Most of the time people who do self-harm hide their wounds and scars. One possible sign would be if a person wears long-sleeve pullovers all the time.
Other warning signs are:

• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty to handle feelings
• Relationship problems
• Poor functioning at work or school
• Avoids swimming
• Unexplained frequent cuts
• Socially isolated

Phone LifeLine on 0861 322 322 or contact our local office (011) 421-0384 -  our  counsellors are there to listen, talk to you,  and understand your concerns whilst assisting you in understanding who you are.