Why do people self-abuse?
Those with an emotional, behavioral or mental health disorder have explained these actions as a way to see their emotional pain. Other reasons adolescents may self-injure is to take risks, rebel, reject their parents’ values, state their individuality or merely be accepted. Others may do it to seek out attention for help or do it out of anger. They may do it to show their hopelessness, their feelings of worthlessness, or because they may have suicidal thoughts. Some individuals have reported they self-injure because they feel empty inside, are unable to express feelings, or feel lonely or misunderstood. Other traumatic situations can lead to self-abuse as well, such as loss of a loved one, loss of freedom, problems in a personal relationship, or miscarriage or unwanted pregnancy. Physical, sexual or verbal abuse, or neglect can also lead to self-abuse. These situations can cause feelings of self-hate, fear, anger, and low self-respect.
