Self Harm ireland - What is self harm?

What is Self Harming

Self-injury typically refers to a variety of behaviours in which an individual intentionally inflicts harm to his or her body for purposes not socially recognized or sanctioned and without suicidal intent

Self-injury can include a variety of behaviours but is most commonly associated with:

Intentional cutting, carving, or puncturing of the skin

Scratching

Burning

Ripping or pulling skin or hair

Self-bruising (through punching objects with the intention of hurting oneself or punching oneself directly)

Tattoos and body piercings are not usually considered self-injurious unless done with the intention to harm the body. Although cutting is one of the most common and well-documented behaviours, self-injury can take many forms. Over 16 other self-injurious behaviours have been documented in a college population and several studies have shown that individuals who self-injure often use multiple methods.

Self injury can be and is performed on any part of the body but most often occurs on the hands, wrists, stomach and thighs. The severity of the act can range from superficial wounds to lasting disfigurement.

Who self-injures?

Gender: It is often assumed that females self injure more than males, but it is unclear whether or not this is true. Some studies show that females are more likely to self-injure. Others show that males are just as likely to self-injure as females. There is evidence, however, that males and females differ in their reasons for self-injuring and methods used to self-injure.

For example, some research suggests that more males may use self-injurious behaviours that lead to self bruising. They may punch objects or other people with the intention of hurting themselves or use self-battery. In contrast, females are more likely to use better recognized forms of self-injury, such as cutting or scratching. Race/ethnicity:

Research on self-injury and race/ethnicity is also uncertain. Some studies suggest that it may be more common among Caucasians. Other studies show similarly high rates in minority samples. Some even show regional variation in the relationship between self-injury and race/ethnicity.