Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) involves the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent, such as cutting, burning, or hitting oneself. It is often used as a way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger, or frustration. NSSI is most common in adolescents and young adults and frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment.

⚠️Symptoms

• Deliberate self-inflicted damage to body surface (cutting, burning, hitting)
• Behavior is not socially sanctioned
• Performed to relieve negative emotions or resolve interpersonal difficulty
• Preceded by negative feelings or interpersonal difficulty

🔍Causes

• Difficulty regulating emotions
• History of trauma or abuse
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Peer influence

💊Treatment Options

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Emotion regulation skills training
• Safety planning