Abstract illustration of tangled emotions representing the struggle with self-harm.

Cutting Deep: Why Self-Harm Is on the Rise and How to Help

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the concerning trend of increasing self-harm among young adults and what it means for mental health support."

In recent years, mental health professionals have observed a disturbing trend: a rise in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among young adults, particularly college students. NSSI is defined as intentionally causing harm to one's body tissue without the intent to die. While not a suicide attempt, NSSI is a serious issue that indicates significant emotional distress. A recent study published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior sheds light on this increasing prevalence and the factors that may be contributing to it.

The study, led by Kelly Wester, Heather Trepal, and Kelly King, examined data from three cohorts of college freshmen at the same university over a seven-year period (2008, 2011, and 2015). The results revealed a significant increase in both lifetime and current engagement in NSSI across the three cohorts. This means that more students reported having engaged in self-harm at some point in their lives and were currently engaging in these behaviors.

This article breaks down the findings of this study, explores the potential reasons behind the rise in NSSI, and provides guidance on how to recognize and support individuals who may be struggling.

The Alarming Rise of Self-Harm: What the Research Shows

Abstract illustration of tangled emotions representing the struggle with self-harm.

The study's findings paint a concerning picture of the escalating rates of NSSI among college students. In 2008, only a small percentage of freshmen reported lifetime engagement in NSSI. However, by 2015, this number had nearly tripled, with almost half of the incoming freshmen reporting they had engaged in self-harm at some point in their lives. Current engagement in NSSI also saw a dramatic increase, rising from a small percentage in 2008 to nearly 20% in 2015.

These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people struggling with intense emotional pain. The increase in NSSI suggests that more young adults are turning to self-harm as a way to cope with difficult feelings. Understanding why this is happening is crucial to addressing the problem effectively.

Increased Lifetime Engagement: A significant rise in students reporting self-harm at some point in their lives.
Spike in Current Engagement: A dramatic increase in students currently engaging in self-harm behaviors.
More Methods Used: An increase in the number of different self-harm methods individuals are using.

Beyond the overall increase in NSSI, the study also explored related factors such as anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms. While depression rates fluctuated, anxiety levels showed a consistent increase across the three cohorts. This suggests that anxiety may be a significant driver of self-harm behaviors in this population. The study also found that students in later cohorts reported using both adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms more frequently, indicating they are actively trying to manage their emotions, but not always effectively.

What Can We Do?

The rise in self-harm among young adults is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, by understanding the contributing factors and recognizing the signs, we can create a more supportive environment for those who are struggling. It's crucial for schools, mental health professionals, and families to work together to provide resources, reduce stigma, and promote healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one has to go through this alone.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/sltb.12389, Alternate LINK

Title: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Increased Prevalence In Engagement

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Kelly Wester, Heather Trepal, Kelly King

Published: 2017-08-28

Everything You Need To Know

What is Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), and how does it relate to the study discussed?

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as intentionally causing harm to one's body tissue without the intent to die. The study, led by Kelly Wester, Heather Trepal, and Kelly King, examines the increasing prevalence of NSSI among college freshmen. The study found a significant increase in both lifetime and current engagement in NSSI across the three cohorts, highlighting the severity of emotional distress among students. It is important to understand that NSSI is not a suicide attempt but a coping mechanism for intense emotional pain, as observed among the participants from 2008, 2011, and 2015.

What specific trends in self-harm were observed among college freshmen over the study period?

The study revealed a disturbing increase in NSSI among college freshmen. The specific trends include a significant rise in lifetime engagement, meaning more students reported self-harm at some point. A dramatic increase in current engagement was also found, indicating more students were actively engaging in self-harm behaviors. Finally, the study noted an increase in the number of different self-harm methods individuals used. These trends were observed by comparing data from the cohorts of 2008, 2011, and 2015, showing a worsening situation over time.

What potential factors, besides NSSI, are linked to the increase in self-harm among college students, according to this study?

The study highlighted anxiety and coping mechanisms as potential factors contributing to the rise in NSSI. Anxiety levels showed a consistent increase across the cohorts, suggesting a significant link between anxiety and self-harm behaviors. Students also reported using both adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms more frequently, showing that they are actively trying to manage their emotions. This suggests that the ways students cope with their feelings are also changing and that the increase in NSSI may be linked to the rise in anxiety and the types of coping mechanisms students are using.

How can understanding the increase in NSSI among young adults inform support strategies?

Understanding the rise in NSSI can significantly inform support strategies by highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support. Schools, mental health professionals, and families should work together to provide resources, reduce stigma, and promote healthy coping mechanisms. Recognizing the signs of NSSI and understanding the contributing factors, such as anxiety, allows for earlier intervention. Creating a supportive environment where seeking help is encouraged can make a significant difference in the lives of young adults struggling with emotional distress. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying emotional pain and providing the necessary tools for healthy coping.

Who were the key researchers of this study and what cohorts did the research use?

The study was led by Kelly Wester, Heather Trepal, and Kelly King. The research examined data from three cohorts of college freshmen at the same university. The cohorts were from the years 2008, 2011, and 2015. The research observed the evolution of the NSSI trends within these cohorts to understand how self-harm was evolving among this specific demographic.