Definition:
Self-Injury is the act of purposefully causing harm to one’s own body. The action can include cutting, hitting, burning, breaking of bones, or any other behavior that causes injury.
This behavior occurs throughout the world, and is engaged in by both men and women. It is often done in secret and can be a symptom of BPD. Not all self-injurers have BPD.
Despite appearances, self-injury is not a suicide attempt. It appears to be a somewhat compulsive, often ritualistic means of expressing hurtful feelings or feeling something. Although it is possible, peer pressure is not generally the cause of this behavior.
Also Known As: Cutting, Self-Mutilation
