Self Injury
By Dana Perry
Self-injury is when one participates in self harm, such as cutting, biting, scratching, burning or something similar, without the intent of suicide.1 Many times it is called "cutting." It affects about four percent of the population.2
Those who self-injure do so to manage emotions they find vast and crushing.3 Often they say they feel "empty" or "numb" and that causing pain upon themselves makes these feelings disappear, even if only for a moment.2 By choosing to cut themselves, they are able to gain some sort of control from a situation that otherwise seems overwhelming and out of their control.3
Self injury often can go hand in hand with other problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, depression and eating disorders.1, 3 In fact, as many as two-thirds of those who self-injure also have an eating disorder.2 Many times it is caused by former abuse by a family member, or involvement in a past or current violent relationship.1, 3 As many as fifty percent of those who self-injure report that they were at one time physically or sexually abused.2 It most frequently affects pre-teen and teenage women.1 The number of people who self-injure seems to have increased lately, especially in middle-school aged kids.4
It is sometimes very difficult to tell if someone is participating in self-injury because many times those who self injure feel guilty and try to hide the affects.1 Self-injury often leaves physical signs, such as scabs, bruises and scars. People who self-injure may make excuses for these marks, or wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to hide them, even during hot weather.3
Treatment of self-injury is similar to the treatment of depression. It may include seeing a medical doctor or therapist and/or taking prescription medication.1, 2, 3, 4
If you suspect yourself or a loved one may have a problem with self-injury, tell someone. If you feel comfortable, share your concerns with a close family member such as a parent or older sister. A school counselor, school nurse, teacher, social worker, Girl Scout volunteer or other trusted adult may also be able to help you. Free hotlines and Web sites that may be helpful are listed below.
By phone: - National Call Center for At-Risk Youth
1-800-USA-KIDS\1-800-872-5437
- SAFE Alternatives Program - Self Abuse Finally Ends
1-800-DONT-CUT\1-800-366-8288
- Covenant House Nineline
1-800-999-9999
On the Web: www.teenshealth.com
www.coolnurse.com
1 Self-Mutilation. 2006. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. www.upmc.com
2 Self-Injury Facts. 2007. SAFE Alternatives. www.selfinjury.com
3 Self-injury/cutting. 2006. May Clinic Staff. www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-injury/DS00775
4 Self-Injury in Adolescents. 1999. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. www/aacap.org
Dana Perry interned for GSUSA during summer 2007. She previously worked as an Outreach Specialist for high-risk youth at Girl Scouts - Pacific Peaks Council in DuPont, Wash.
| 
