User:Mr. Ibrahem/Self-harm

Self-harm is intentional behavior to harm oneself, without a desire to die by suicide. The most common example is direct injury of the skin usually with a sharp object or heat. Often multiple areas of injury are created. Other methods may include overdose or punching themselves. People who self-harm often feel shame afterwards. They are also nearly ten times more likely to attempt suicide.

It is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, substance misuse, and autism. Thought, it may also occur in people without other mental health problems. Other associations include hopelessness, friends that self-harm, and a history of abuse. Some use it as a coping mechanism to provide temporary relief from intense feelings. There is also support that it may be used as self-punishment, a cry for help, and to deal with interpersonal conflict.

It does not include socially accepted practices such as tattooing or piercing. It also does not include indirect injury such as may occur from eating disorders or substance misuse. Initial treatment may require wound closure. Long term management involves addressing associated conditions together with cognitive behavioral therapy. Part of therapy is to develop better way to deal with stress. Some people may be help by naltrexone.

Self-harm is most common in teenagers, becoming less common after 18. It affects about 17% of people at some point in time. Females are affected about 1.7 times as often as males. Other groups in who it is more common include LGBT, prisoners, and veterans. Rates have been fairly steady between 2002 and 2017. The risk of suicide is higher in older people who self-harm. Captive animals, such as birds and monkeys, also may have self-harming behavior.