BLAIR NELSON- CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

WHAT IS NSSI?
A Guide to Non-Suicidal Self Injury

THE URGE TO SELF HARM IS

NSSI IS NOT THE NOT UNCOMMON &
PROBLEM, IT IS A
SYMPTOM OF TREATMENT CAN HELP
SOMETHING MORE OVERCOME IT
It is often seen in adolescents and young adults
Self harm or non-suicidal self injury is a sign of emotional
distress. It is a person's coping mechanism and should not
be looked at as the main problem.

Signs of self injury include:

THOSE WHO SELF
Frequent bruises, scars, cuts or burns
HARM OFTEN FEEL Picking, poking, scratching
SHAME OR Hair pulling, head-banging
Consistent inappropriate use of clothing to conceal
EMBARRASSMENT wounds (especially around the thighs, arms, and
abdominal area)
Secretive, prolonged time in the bathroom
General signs of depression, social-emotional isolation,
& disconnectedness from family, friends, and other
peers
 BLAIR NELSON- CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

WHAT ARE SOME RISK FACTORS?

Although NSSI is not a mental illness, but rather a behavior, those who possess any of the following
may be at risk of this behavior or more serious injury:
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Possession of sharp implements
A diagnosed mental disorder like Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, or
PTSD
Engagement in risk taking behaviors like gun play, reckless driving, and sexual activity (especially
at a young age)
Experience of trauma, neglect, and/or abuse

HOW DO PEOPLE WHO SELF INJURE GET

HELP?
Mental health professionals are trained to help individuals who self injure. Referring individuals to
mental health services like therapists, psychiatrists, school counselors, and school psychologists is
a good start.

Mental health professionals may use a variety of methods to help individuals cope with their
emotional distress. They can work with people using:
Cognitive-Behavioral Methods: The professional and individual work to see the connection
between their thoughts, feelings, and behavior
Psychodynamic Methods: They may focus on working through past experiences and emotions
DBT/Behavioral Methods: They may work to employ positive replacement behaviors and
engagement of new coping methods
Environmental Methods: They may identify environmental triggers to the NSSI and work to
manipulate antecedents and environments
Biological Methods: They may decide that medication is helpful in combating the behavior

Engage in respectful curiosity

Ask direct and useful questions that help
you understand frequency, intensity, &
SCHOOL severity (Do you notice patterns that
PROFESSIONALS trigger you?; What do you do to care for
the wounds?, what does self injury do for
SHOULD: you? How often are you self injuring?)
Encourage help seeking behaviors,
extracurricular activities, distractions, &
mindfulness
Consider the student's family dynamic &
cultural responsiveness
Avoid telling parents if it would not be in
the best interest of the student
Increase school connectedness
Teach emotional regulation
Information from: http://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/documents/schools.pdf
https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Self-harm