Self-harm by definition is “the intentional, direct injury to body tissue most often done without suicidal intentions.” While that may be the case, self-harm goes much deeper than just grazing the surface of the skin. It is not just physical cutting, but an emotional breakdown and a silent cry for help. The definition is scientifically correct, but there is a personal and emotional level that comes into play.

“To me, self-harm is defined by the emotional need to stop the pain at any cost” a student who, for this piece will be renamed Ashton, says. This is a terrifying and dangerous trend that is rapidly growing, not only at schools but all over the world as well, and bullying is part of the cause.

“We have students report bullying…once a week.” says Jennifer Burks, a school administrator. A huge and complex question needs to be answered.Why bully?

“There’s lots of different reasons. Sometimes a person who ‘bullies’ doesn’t realize they are bullying, they think they are just joking.” Burks continues, “bullies are either bullied themselves, at school or at home, and thats the only way they know how to deal with the problem.”

Marsie Shealey, a counselor, says she receives bullying reports daily.

Self-harm comes in many forms: not just cutting, but eating disorders, hair pulling, withdrawal, grades dropping, changes in appearance, constant wearing of long sleeves, and any destructive behavior.

Shelamae Woodworth believes bullying is a growing problem. “I do think it is a growing problem. We expect a lot from students. we don’t teach them how to handle stress and negative things in life.”

Bullying and self-harm do not only impact the victim, but also families. “There’s lots of frustration because parents don’t know how to help and don’t know its going on.” says Woodworth.

Shealey agrees, going as far as to say it is “devastating…Parents a lot of times are surprised.”

Bullying sometimes goes farther than causing the victim to self-harm; there is also possibility of suicide. ”It is a contributing factor, but I feel suicide/self-harm is very complex and there are a lot of factors that go into that.” says Burks.

Victims of bullying and self-harm need help and most time they  want it as well. “We try to offer students coping mechanisms and try to get them support from home. “ Shealey says. Advice for students who know their friends are self-harming  is, “Let us counselors know.” says Shealey.

Woodworth adds to her advice “Seek a trusting adult; don’t hide it, don’t think you can help and [think] its your job to help them.”

Though there were no cases of successful suicide in the last year, “there have been students who have talked about [it], that we’ve gotten outside help for.” says Shealey.

Self-harm and bullying are serious issues schools all across the world have to face and it is not something that should be ignored.