Self-harm, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury, involves intentionally injuring one’s own body. It is often a way individuals cope with overwhelming emotional pain or distress. While not typically suicidal in intent, self-harm can still lead to serious injury or accidental death. Understanding the signs of self-harm in others is an important step toward offering support and encouraging them to seek professional help.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of self-harm include fresh cuts, scratches, or burns on the skin. Also look for bruising, bite marks, or areas of skin rubbed excessively to create a burn.
These injuries are frequently found in areas easy to conceal, such as the wrists, forearms, thighs, and torso. They may wear long sleeves or pants, even in warm weather, or refuse to change clothes to hide marks. Scars, especially those arranged in patterns or clusters, can also indicate past self-harm.
Less obvious indicators include picking at wounds or scabs to prevent healing, or frequent “accidents.” The presence of sharp objects or other items used for self-injury can also be a clue. These signs are sometimes dismissed as accidental, making careful observation important.
Emotional and Behavioral Indicators
Beyond physical marks, emotional and behavioral changes can signal self-harm. Individuals may exhibit significant mood shifts, such as sudden sadness, increased irritability, or heightened anxiety. They might also appear emotionally numb or experience rapid mood swings. These emotional states often serve as an internal pressure that self-harm attempts to relieve.
A person struggling with self-harm might withdraw from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed, leading to increased isolation. Changes in daily habits, such as altered sleep patterns or appetite, can also be present. They may lose interest in hobbies or show a decline in their ability to function at school or work.
Secretive behavior is common, as individuals often feel shame or guilt about self-harm and go to great lengths to hide it. They might struggle with impulse control or have difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or self-hatred are also significant emotional cues.
Verbal Warning Signs
Verbal cues can indicate self-harm. These include direct statements about wanting to hurt themselves or expressing a desire to feel physical pain to cope. Sometimes, indirect comments about feeling “dead inside” or needing to “feel something” can be a cry for help.
Individuals might make statements that convey deep self-loathing, such as “I deserve to be punished” or “I’m bad.” They may also express a lack of concern for their own well-being or future, stating things like “I don’t care what happens to me.” These comments can sometimes be disguised as jokes or casual remarks, making it difficult to discern their true meaning.
What to Do When You Suspect Self-Harm
If you suspect self-harm, approach with care and without judgment. Express concern empathetically, mentioning specific changes in their behavior or demeanor. Creating a safe space where they feel heard and understood can encourage open communication.
Listen actively to what they share, even if it makes you uncomfortable, and avoid interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Your role is to offer support and encourage them to seek professional help, rather than attempting to “fix” the situation yourself. Offering to help them find a therapist or mental health professional, or even accompanying them to an appointment, can be beneficial.
In situations where there is severe injury or an immediate risk, seeking emergency medical help is appropriate. For immediate support, mental health hotlines and crisis lines are available 24/7, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Remember that recovery is a process, and continued, non-judgmental support can significantly aid their journey.