Educational Media Reviews Online

Non Suicidal Self Injury, or NSSI, is the focus of this Human Relations Media production. Opening with testimonies from young adults who have self-harmed, the stage is set for a good introduction to the topic. As Janis, Alex, and Judy explain the situations and the emotions that made them injure themselves by cutting, punching, or burning, a picture of the adolescent self-harmer begins to merge. Experts in the field also weigh in with reasons that people engage in NSSI, chief among them being the quick relief that physical harm brings them from intense emotional and psychological pain and anxiety.

While we mostly associate NSSI with young adults, Self Inflicted wisely includes the example of Shelly—a 42 year old woman who has been self-harming for 28 years. Her story is poignant and a bit shocking, and points to the addictive nature of this disorder. Families of self-harmers are also brought in to explore their reactions, as well as ways they can help the self-harmer try to manage emotions in a healthier way than physical injury.

The experts in the film do a good job of describing the intense symptoms that self-harmers feel and they explain a little about what happens the brain to cause a physical outlet for emotional pain. They point out that there is very little, if any, research being conducted into NSSI. That being stated, the film would benefit from more in-depth facts about the neurological triggers for self-harm. Self Inflicted is a good beginning for high school level through junior college health and psychology courses exploring this anomalous condition.