Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is when a person hurts their own body on purpose, but they are not trying to die. This behavior is also called self-harm.
NSSI is serious and unsafe, even if the injuries look small. It can lead to infection, worse injuries than planned, or more dangerous behavior over time.
If you notice possible NSSI, take the behavior seriously. Talk with your child and reach out to a mental health professional or medical provider for help.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Does Not Always Mean that Someone is Suicidal
- Self-harm (NSSI) still shows a person is feeling pain or intense emotion. Youth who self-harm need care and should be taken seriously.
- Youths who self-harm are more likely to die by suicide than those who do not.
Common forms of NSSI (self-harming) behaviors:
- Cutting
- Scratching
- Burning
- Hitting self
- Picking at skin
Youth may do this to:
- Release stress
- Feel something when they feel numb (cannot feel anything)
- Calm big feelings
What Adults May Notice
Small cuts or marks
- Long sleeves in warm weather that may hide self-harm signs
- Blood on clothes or tissues
- Sudden mood shifts
- Pulling away from others
When to Worry:
- Self-harm happens more than once
- The child hides their arms, legs, or areas where self-harm signs may be present
- They feel numb, sad, or stuck
- They talk about wanting to die