Self-Harm Common Terms

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS SECTION CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT SELF HARM (SELF INJURY) WHICH MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SURVIVORS.

Self-harm is when you intentionally hurt yourself but do not intend to commit suicide.

Self-harm behaviors include:

  • using a sharp object to cut skin

  • burning such as from a cigarette

  • ingesting chemicals

  • abusing alcohol

  • embedding objects into the skin

  • hitting and bruising

  • pulling hair

Also known as:

  • self-injury

  • nonsuicidal self injury

  • self-inflicted violence

  • cutting

  • self-mutilation

  • self-injurious behavior