Self-harm

Self-harm (SH) is injury to one's own body, whether conscious or unconscious. Some scholars use more technical definitions related to specific aspects of behavior. This injury may be aimed at relieving otherwise unbearable emotions, sensations of unreality and numbness, or for other reasons. Self-harm is generally a social taboo. It is sometimes associated with mental illnesses such as Borderline Personality Disorder, with a history of trauma and abuse, with eating disorders, or with mental traits such as perfectionism.

References

• LifeSIGNS Self Injury Awareness Booklet, Version 2 Mar. 01, 2005 from Self Injury Awareness Booklet, LifeSIGNS
• World Health Organisation Europe Multicentre Study of Suicide, retrieved Jul. 20, 2004 from Women and Parasuicide: a Literature Review, Women's Health Council
• Retrieved Jul. 20, 2004 from Hospitalisation for intentional self-harm, New Zealand Health Information Service
• Retrieved Jul. 28, 2005 from LifeSIGNS: Precursors to Self Injury
• Retrieved Jul. 28, 2005 from LifeSIGNS: Precursors to Self Injury
• LifeSIGNS Self Injury Awareness Booklet, Version 2 Mar. 01, 2005 p.33-43 from Self Injury Awareness Booklet, LifeSIGNS