Self injury in NY Times

In NY Times.

Prevalence: "There are no exact numbers for this largely hidden problem, but anonymous surveys among college students suggest that 17 percent of them have self-injured, and experts estimate that self-injury is practiced by 15 percent of the general adolescent population."

Unfortunately the Internet might be spreading the behaviors. Of course people have to be vulnerable to the suggestion. More wide communication has upsides and downsides. Some of the information can be used negatively. All the problems in the world will exist on the Internet--is it the Internet's fault? Should we shut it down because some people use it negatively? I personally don't think so but you're welcome to comment...

Why self injury? "Experts theorize that it may be reinforced by the release in the brain of opioidlike endorphins that result in a natural high and emotional relief."

And, a Dr. Whitlock says it function to “self-regulate feelings and help people cope with overwhelming negative emotions they have no other way to dispel.”

Of course abuse is never far away: "A history of childhood sexual, and especially emotional, abuse has been reported by half or more of self-injurers. Some seek relief from the resulting emotional pain. Others self-inflict pain to punish themselves for what they perceive as their role in inviting the abuse."

And of course DBT is seen as the solution.