Self-injury is when a person causes intentional pain, harm and/or injuries to his or her own body as a way of coping or expressing overwhelming emotions.
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At times it can be brought on by a compulsion or impulse to cause harm
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It can be reactive and an instant answer to something going on at that moment
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For some individuals, causing self-harm can be a planned out incident
Self-Injury is a coping mechanism, not a healthy one, but nonetheless it is a way for the person to express a wide variety of emotions (fear, anger, rage, sadness) and get through the moment.
Self-Injury affects people of all ages, races and backgrounds and is not only a "teen issue" or a "woman's issue". A person who causes self-inflicted pain and/or injuries can be male, female, young, old, married, single, or even a mother or a father.
Although it may seem strange for a person to comprehend, self-injury is a coping mechanism and for some, a way of survival.
Self-Injury is also referred to as: 'SI', self-harm, self-abuse, self-mutilation; some people may even refer to themselves as 'cutters'. The intensity and severity of self-injury varies from person to person, as do the reasons for causing such harm.
If you would like to receive an informative brochure about self-injury, please send your request via e-mail.
