CRPSIR cited in NPR story on self-injury

May 1, 2015

In his late teens David Fitzpatrick began to cut himself with razor blades. He was not intending to commit suicide, but was using self-injury as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. This type of is self-wounding is called Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which the Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery (CRPSIR) defines as the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue resulting in immediate damage, without suicidal intent, and for purposes not culturally sanctioned.

David told his story to local NPR station WNPR in Connecticut, describing his shame and confusion around NSSI,

For me, it was just a growing depression, and shame, and self-rage, and loathing...I got so overwhelmed. I felt like I can’t tell anyone about this, because it’s so bizarre.

The piece references information from the CRPSIR web site, an excellent source of information on NSSI, including resources for those who self-injure, parents and caregivers, friends, therapists, and other professionals who serve youth.

Self-injury and mental illness: A story of recovery - WNPR