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Self-injurious behavior is where a person physically harms themselves. It’s sometimes called self-harm. This might be head banging on floors, walls or other surfaces, hand or arm biting, hair pulling, eye gouging, face or head slapping, skin picking, scratching or pinching, forceful head shaking.
Why do people engage in self-injurious behavior?
People may engage in self-injurious behavior to cope with difficult emotions or situations, but it is not a healthy or safe way to deal with those emotions and can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
What are the warning signs of self-injurious behavior?
Warning signs of self-injurious behavior can include unexplained cuts or bruises, wearing long sleeves and pants in hot weather, and withdrawing from social activities.
What are the long-term effects of self-injurious behavior?
The long-term effects of self-injurious behavior can include permanent physical scarring, infections, and potential nerve or tissue damage, as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Self-injurious behavior, or SIB, is when a person intentionally hurts themselves in a way that causes physical harm. This could include cutting, burning, hitting or biting themselves, or other forms of self-harm. People engage in self-injurious behavior for different reasons, but it is often a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations like stress, anxiety, or trauma. SIB is not a healthy or safe way to deal with these emotions and can lead to severe physical and mental health problems. SIB can be a sign that someone is struggling and needs help. It is essential to talk to a trusted adult, like a teacher, parent, or counselor, if you know someone who is engaging in self-injurious behavior. There are several resources and treatments available to help people learn healthier ways to cope with their emotions and stop engaging in self-harm.
Self-injurious behavior involves intentional self-harm without suicidal intent. Certain conditions are commonly linked to this behavior. This includes:
Self-injurious behavior is commonly associated with conditions like BPD, ASD, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and PTSD. Recognizing these associations is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions.
This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on Jan. 22, 2024.
