What it means
Deliberate injury to oneself. People may do it to cope with strong emotional pain, anger or numbness. Self-harm without the wish to die is called non-suicidal self-injury, but people who self-harm are at higher risk of suicide, so the two must both be assessed.
For the nurse
Respond calmly and without judgment, treat the wounds, and ask directly about thoughts of suicide. Keep the environment safe by removing items that could be used for harm, and help the client find other ways to cope.
Related terms
suicidal ideation
Thinking about, considering or planning suicide.
suicide precautions
The safety measures used to protect a client who is at risk of harming or killing themselves.