But any area of the body may be a target, sometimes using more than one method.īecoming upset can trigger urges to self-injure.
Most frequently, the arms, legs, chest and belly are the targets of self-injury. Self-hitting, punching, biting or head banging.Burning with lit matches, cigarettes or heated, sharp objects such as knives.Cutting, scratching or stabbing with a sharp object, one of the most common methods.Usually, it's done in a controlled manner or the same way each time, which often leaves a pattern on the skin. Talk of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness.Behaviors and emotions that change quickly and are impulsive, intense and unexpected.Difficulties in relationships with others.Wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide self-injury, even in hot weather.Keeping sharp objects or other items used for self-injury on hand.
