Have you ever tried to injure yourself on purpose? You're not alone. In this episode, I'll help you cope with the urge to self-harm.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show,

I'll help you face life's challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

Have you ever wanted to bang your head on a wall and actually done it, or secretly try to cut away the pain of your existence?

You're not alone. Acts like this are considered non-suicidal self-injury.

Non-suicidal self-injury. Non-suicidal self-injury or NSSI

is intentional, self-inflicted, low-lethality, bodily harm of a socially unacceptable nature performed to reduce

and or communicate psychological distress. You might be thinking what the heck is socially acceptable self-injury.

As an example, some cultures engage in practices like scarification, which is considered to be socially acceptable.

It's also important to note that self-harm and suicidal behaviors are different.

In suicide, the intent is to permanently end life and escape pain.

In NSSI, the intent is typically relief from an unpleasant feeling, like anger, emptiness, or shame.

NSSI is typically low lethality, meaning that you would be unlikely to die from the injury.

For example, shallow cuts on an inner thigh.

However, there have been individuals who have hurt themselves more severely than intended.

NSSI is most common among adolescents and young adults, usually starting around age 13 or 14.

Lifetime rates in these populations are about 15 to 20 percent.

In both adolescents and adults, rates of NSSI are highest among those with a history of

mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, problems with

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