Self-Harm

While many people are much more aware of anxiety now than in the past, some details and symptoms still aren’t as commonly discussed. One lesser-known symptom of anxiety is the urge to ... Read More

Head-banging, face-slapping, scratching, and other self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are common among children who become frustrated. According to United Cerebral Palsy, up to 20% of all young ... Read More

Though some people believe self-harming behaviors such as cutting or burning may indicate a person’s desire to die or serve as a precursor to a suicide attempt, not everyone who self-harms ... Read More

Dear GoodTherapy.org, I am under 18 and live with my dad and stepmom. I’ve been cutting for almost a year from depression and anxiety and basically not feeling like I want to be here. ... Read More

“Self-injury is an expression of acute psychological distress. It is an act done to oneself, by oneself, with the intention of helping oneself rather than killing oneself. Paradoxically, ... Read More

You are feeling frightened and ashamed to talk to your counselor about your problems with self-injury and other “bad habits.” You might worry that your counselor will feel critical ... Read More

You look over at your lovely daughter and think to yourself how time flies. Gazing at her with love, you notice red marks and lines on her youthful arms. Immediate panic sets in; you reach ... Read More

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is in crisis, please click here for information about seeking help. Cutting is a popular way for teens to self-injure without the intent ... Read More

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders serves as the “bible” of mental health practitioners, who rely on it to match diagnostic criteria with behaviors. The American ... Read More

Nonsuicidal self-injuries (NSSI) are believed to be inflicted as a method of coping with distressing emotions. People who cut, burn, or otherwise harm themselves may do so in an attempt ... Read More

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach used to treat individuals with a wide variety of issues, including relationship conflict, anxiety, ... Read More

Most individuals who attempt suicide unsuccessfully will only do so once and make that decision within the hour preceding the attempt. “To kill oneself, one must have the means for doing ... Read More