What Are Self-Injurious Behaviors and Why Do They Happen?

Self-injurious behaviors are when an individual intentionally causes injury to their own body. This can be cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. It’s often a way to cope with strong emotions.

Why Do People Hurt Themselves?

People damage themselves for diverse causes. It offers a short getaway from intense emotions.
Here are the reasons that might drive someone to take that action.

• To numb strong feelings with pain.
• To feel something when feeling empty.
• To express hurt when words fail.
• To feel in charge when life appears frightening.
• Caused by previous trauma or emotional struggles.

It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a plea for help and compassion.

Signs to Look For

If you’re concerned that someone may be in danger of self-harm, watch for these indicators:

• Cuts, burns, or bruises that do not have a clear explanation.
• Wearing long sleeves on hot days.
• Talks about feeling empty, numb, or out of control.
• Keeps sharp objects hidden.
• Avoids social time or used to like things but now does not.
• Changes in sleep, eating, or school work.

Not every sign means a person is hurting themselves. But if you see many signs, ask kindly and get help.

How to Talk with Someone Who Is Hurting Themselves

Talking can be scary. You do not need big words. Be calm and kind. Try this:

1. Start with care. Say, “I am worried about you.”
2. Ask, “Are you hurting yourself?” Use a soft voice.
3. Listen more than you speak. Let them share at their speed.
4. Do not blame or shout. Avoid saying it is “stupid” or “attention seeking.”
5. Ask if they are safe now. If they are in danger, stay with them and get help.
6. Offer to help find a safe adult or a doctor. Say, “I can help you find someone.”

Your calm voice can make a huge difference. It can help someone feel seen and cared for.

What to Do If Someone Is In Danger

If someone plans to hurt themselves badly or wants to die, act fast:

• Call your local emergency number right away.
• If you are with them, do not leave them alone.
• Remove sharp items or things they might use to hurt themselves, if safe to do so.
• Tell a trusted adult, teacher, or family member.
• If you are an adult, help them get to a doctor or hospital.

Keep them safe first. Then get mental health help.

Ways to Stay Safe and Feel Better

There are safer ways to cope. These ideas can help someone in the moment:

• Hold ice or take a cold shower to change the feeling.
• Squeeze a stress ball or clap your hands.
• Draw, color, or tear paper to let out energy.
• Take deep breaths and count slowly.
• Call a friend, family member, or helpline.
• Use a worry box: write feelings on paper and put them away for a while.
• Make a safety plan with a therapist or trusted adult.

These things do not fix everything. But they can help in a hard moment until more help comes.

How Ancient Of Days Psychiatry Can Help

We care deeply about your story. At Ancient Of Days Psychiatry, we help people of all ages who struggle with self-injurious behaviors. Our team is led by board-certified Susan Gilbert. We offer gentle and thoughtful care. We listen first. Then we make a simple plan with you.

Our services that can help include:

• Mood Disorders care to help with sadness and mood shifts.
• ADHD support to help with attention and impulses.
• Substance Use and Addiction care for people using drugs or alcohol.
• Child and Adolescent Behavioral support for kids and teens.
• Women’s Mental Health care for concerns that affect women.
• Trauma and Grief counseling to heal from hard events and loss.
• Self-Injurious Behaviors treatment with safety planning and skill building.
• Life Transitions and Adjustment help when life changes feel too big.
• Spiritual and Personal Growth support for meaning and hope.
• Developmental Delays evaluation and care when learning or growing is slow.

We explain things in simple words. We help you build skills to handle strong feelings in safer ways. We include family when it helps. We work with schools, doctors, and caretakers when needed.

What Happens in a Visit

When you come to us, we will listen. We will ask calm questions. We will talk about feelings, sleep, and daily life. We will make a safety plan if needed. We will teach ways to cope that do not hurt the body. We may talk about medicine if it helps. We will work with you step by step.

How Families Can Help

Families can be a big help. Here is how to support a loved one:

• Show love and care with simple words. “I am here for you.”
• Stay calm and open. Let them tell their story.
• Help them make a safety plan and keep dangerous things away.
• Join visits if they want. Learn the skills with them.
• Take care of yourself, too. You can get tired and need help.

Families do not have to fix everything. Being present matters.

You Are Not Alone

Many people hurt themselves at some time. It is more common than we think. Help is real and hopeful. People can learn new ways to handle feelings. They can heal and feel better.

Our Promise

Your story matters. We are dedicated to your healing at Ancient Of Days Psychiatry. We promise to listen with care. We will work with you in simple and kind ways. We will help you build safety and hope. If you need us, we are here.
If you or someone you love is hurting now, please get help right away. Talk to a trusted adult, call your doctor, or seek emergency help. You do not have to do this alone.

FAQs

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a list of steps to stay safe. It names people to call and things to do when feelings are big.

Can medicine help stop self-harm?

Sometimes medicine helps with feelings. A doctor will tell you if it is needed.