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

of sympathetic ear and zero judgment.

Have you ever wanted to bang your head on a wall and actually

done it or secretly tried 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 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

...