Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: What Is It, Why Does It Happen, and How Can We Help?

Resource Details

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to when people intentionally harm themselves but do not have any intent to kill themselves. There are a number of ways that people injure themselves including cutting, burning, biting, bruising, scratching, constricting, inhaling, picking and scalding. Of all of the methods, cutting is the most common form of NSSI; however, most people who self-injure engage in multiple methods. This info brief outlines what you need to know about non-suicidal self-injury and the steps you can take to support someone who is engaging in self-harm.

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DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Looking for More?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.