Self-Injury Awareness Month
March 1 - March 31
Research indicates that self-injury occurs in approximately as many as 4% of adults in the United States. Rates are higher among adolescents, who seem to be at an increased risk for self-injury, with approximately 15% of teens reporting some form of self-injury. Studies show an even higher risk for self-injury among college students, with rates ranging from 17%-35%.
Self-Injury (Cutting, Self-Harm Or Self-Mutilation)
Self-injury, also known as self-harm, self-mutilation, or self-abuse occurs when someone intentionally and repeatedly harms themselves in a way that is impulsive and not intended to be lethal.
The most common methods are:
- Skin cutting (70-90%),
- Head banging or hitting (21%-44%), and
- Burning (15%-35%).
Other forms of self-injury include excessive scratching to the point of drawing blood, punching self or objects, infecting oneself, inserting objects into body openings, drinking something harmful (like bleach or detergent), and breaking bones purposefully. Most individuals who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) hurt themselves in more than one way.
Self-Injury Awareness Month
The first day of March has been dedicated as Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD). SAID is a grassroots annual global awareness event / campaign on March 1, where on this day, and in the weeks leading up to it and after, some people choose to be more open about their own self-harm, and awareness organizations make special efforts to raise awareness about self-harm and self-injury. Some people wear an orange awareness ribbon, write “LOVE” on their arms, draw a butterfly on their wrists in awareness of “The Butterfly Project” wristband or beaded bracelet to encourage awareness of self-harm. Source: Personalized Cause
Helpful Resources
Learn More About Self-Injury, Prevalence, Causes, Warning Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Please join Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide as we support Self-Injury Awareness Month
