Dr.
Ted J. Mable, NCSS Executive Director
Why do people engage in non-suicidal self-injury?
Non-suicidal self-injury is
relatively common in young people. A survey of U.S. college students found that
17% percent had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury at some time in their
lives. Another survey of high school students found that 20% of girls and 9
percent of boys had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury. These young people
reported more emotional distress, more anger problems, lower self-esteem, more
risky health behaviors, and more antisocial behaviors.
People who engaged in non-suicidal
self-injury do so for many reasons, including to:
o
Escape from
unbearable anguish
o
Change the behavior
of others
o
Escape from a
situation
o
Show desperation to
others
o
“Get back at” other
people or make them feel guilty
o
Gain relief of
tension
o
Seek attention or
help
For more information NCSS offers Mental Health First Aid Training
to the community. Visit ncssinc.org
where the schedule will be listed under Upcoming Events on the homepage.
