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Self-harm

Speak the hurt. Save the moment.

Self – harm

Self‑harm is when someone intentionally injures their own body (for example, cutting or burning) to cope with intense emotional pain, without necessarily wanting to die.

It is common in adolescents and young women and is strongly linked with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

Causes Of Self-Harm :

Self‑harm often functions as a short‑term way to manage overwhelming emotions such as shame, anger, sadness, emptiness, or self‑hatred, or to “feel something” when feeling emotionally numb.
Risk factors include mental disorders (especially depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use), adverse childhood experiences and abuse, bullying, family conflict or domestic violence, low self‑esteem, and poor social support.

Why Insight is Important :

Insight means recognizing that self‑harm is a sign of emotional distress and mental health problems, not a healthy coping strategy, and understanding the need for help and safer ways to cope.
Good insight increases the chance that a woman will seek treatment, use coping skills, accept family/peer support, and work with professionals on a safety plan, which reduces both self‑harm and suicide risk.
At the same time, as insight improves, people may feel more guilt or shame about their behavior and illness; research shows that this combination of insight plus untreated depression or anxiety can heighten distress and suicide risk.
Because of this, rehabilitation programs must pair insight‑building with non‑judgmental support, trauma‑informed therapy, and clear messages of hope so women feel understood rather than blamed.