MILLIONS OF PEOPLE struggle with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury daily, often using it as a coping mechanism to temporarily ease emotional distress. To raise awareness and reduce stigma, March 1 is recognized as Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Awareness Day.
What is NSSI?
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) involves deliberately harming one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent and for reasons that are not socially accepted. Most individuals who self-harm use multiple methods, with cutting, scratching, burning, and hitting or banging being the most common. NSSI is strongly linked to emotional and psychiatric distress and is a significant risk factor for suicide.
Who does NSSI affect?
NSSI is most common among youth and young adults, with a lifetime rate of 15% to 20% and an average onset around ages 13 or 14. It is more frequent in psychiatric populations, particularly among those with depression, anxiety, or emotion dysregulation. Women are more likely to engage in cutting, while men more often use hitting or burning. NSSI is also reported at higher rates among LGBTQ+ individuals and Caucasians.
Why do people engage in NSSI?
NSSI primarily serves as a coping mechanism to temporarily relieve intense negative emotions, often outweighing the physical pain of self-injury. More than half of individuals engage in self-harm as a form of self-punishment or self-directed anger, often driven by self-criticism. Others use NSSI as a cry for help, visibly expressing emotional distress. The functions of NSSI generally fall into two categories: intrapersonal, or self-focused behavior, which includes emotional regulation and self-punishment; and interpersonal, or behavior intended to influence others.
Who can help?
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and preventing youth suicide through free educational programs. They offer 14 training courses, one to two hours long, covering various topics, including a one-hour course on Non-Suicide Self-Injury. These courses and resources are available at no cost on the Jason Foundation website. To learn more about the Non-Suicide Self-Injury module, visit JasonFoundation.com and click on the Training tab. You can also find the nearest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office on the website.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The public service announcement you see here was provided in whole by The Jason Foundation, Inc. We are publishing it as a public service to our readers.