Self-injury is when a person causes intentional pain, harm and/or injuries to his or her own body as a way of coping or expressing overwhelming emotions.  

1. At times it can be brought on by a compulsion or impulse to cause harm
2. It can be reactive and an instant answer to something going on at that moment
3. For some individuals, causing self-harm can be a planned out incident 

Self-Injury is a coping mechanism, not a healthy one, but nonetheless it is a way for the person to express a wide variety of emotions (fear, anger, rage, sadness) and get through the moment.

Self-Injury affects people of all ages, races and backgrounds and is not only a "teen issue" or a "woman's issue". A person who causes self-inflicted pain and/or injuries can be male, female, young, old, married, single, or even a mother or a father.  

Although it may seem strange for a person to comprehend, self-injury is a coping mechanism and for some, a way of survival.

Self-Injury is also referred to as: 'SI', self-harm, self-abuse, self-mutilation; some people may even refer to themselves as 'cutters'. The intensity and severity of self-injury varies from person to person, as do the reasons for causing such harm.

More information can be read here.

If you would like to receive an informative brochure about self-injury, please send an e-mail to have one mailed to you.