Looking for synonyms for self-harm? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say self-harm.
- Self-injury
- Self-mutilation
- Self-abuse
- Self-inflicted violence
- Self-wounding
- Self-destructive behavior
- Autoaggression
- Self-cutting
- Self-laceration
- Self-poisoning
- Self-flagellation
- Self-punishment
- Self-damage
- Self-assault
- Self-endangerment
Want to learn how to say self-harm professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Self-injury
Appropriate Use: Intentionally causing harm or injury to one’s own body.
Example: “The clinic specializes in treating adolescents who engage in self-injury as a coping mechanism.”
2. Self-mutilation
Appropriate Use: The act of deliberately harming one’s own body, often to a severe extent.
Example: “Self-mutilation is a serious issue that requires professional mental health intervention.”
3. Self-abuse
Appropriate Use: Hurting oneself physically or emotionally.
Example: “Counseling services are available for individuals showing signs of self-abuse.”
4. Self-inflicted violence
Appropriate Use: Violent actions directed at oneself.
Example: “The support group provides a safe space for those dealing with self-inflicted violence.”
5. Self-wounding
Appropriate Use: The act of inflicting wounds on oneself.
Example: “Emergency departments often encounter cases of self-wounding among patients with acute mental distress.”
6. Self-destructive behavior
Appropriate Use: Engaging in activities that are harmful to oneself.
Example: “Therapy can help address the underlying causes of self-destructive behavior.”
7. Autoaggression
Appropriate Use: Aggressive behavior directed towards oneself.
Example: “Autoaggression can be a symptom of several underlying psychological disorders.”
8. Self-cutting
Appropriate Use: The act of cutting one’s skin with a sharp object as a form of self-harm.
Example: “Support groups can provide assistance to individuals struggling with self-cutting.”
9. Self-laceration
Appropriate Use: Deliberately cutting or tearing one’s own skin.
Example: “Self-laceration is a concerning form of self-injury that requires immediate attention.”
10. Self-poisoning
Appropriate Use: The act of ingesting or administering harmful substances to oneself.
Example: “Medical professionals are trained to deal with cases of self-poisoning.”
11. Self-flagellation
Appropriate Use: The act of hitting oneself, often with a whip, as a form of self-punishment.
Example: “Historically, self-flagellation has been practiced in some cultures as a religious act.”
12. Self-punishment
Appropriate Use: Inflicting punishment on oneself, often as a result of guilt or shame.
Example: “Self-punishment can be a manifestation of severe emotional distress.”
13. Self-damage
Appropriate Use: Intentionally causing harm or damage to oneself.
Example: “Programs aimed at teens focus on the prevention of self-damage and promoting self-care.”
14. Self-assault
Appropriate Use: Attacking oneself physically.
Example: “Self-assault is a critical issue that may require intervention from mental health professionals.”
15. Self-endangerment
Appropriate Use: Putting oneself in danger or at risk of harm.
Example: “Self-endangerment behaviors are often cries for help and need to be addressed with compassion and care.”
