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Self Harm

Nonsuicidal self-injury, or self-harm, is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. This type of self-injury is a distressing way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. It includes any type of intentionally self-inflicted injury, regardless of the severity. Often, self-harm is an attempt to cope with emotional or physical distress that seems overwhelming or to cope with a profound sense of dissociation or being trapped, helpless, and “damaged.” While self-harm may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension, it’s usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions.