Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Why Is It That Some People Cause Self-Inflicted Injuries


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. 

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