In this revised, expanded, and deeply compelling second edition, Jan Sutton draws on the testimonies of those trapped in the cycle of self-injury, and former self-injurers, as well as the latest research and developments in the field. It is a book of hope and healing designed to offer help and support to self-injurers; understanding to the self-injurer's kith and kin; and insight to volunteers or professionals whose work brings them into contact with people who hurt themselves. It's a perplexing behavior with many names - self-injury, self-harm, self-mutilation, self-inflicted violence, self-cutting and self-abuse to name some. It's a puzzling and perplexing phenomenon, which shocks and frightens those who encounter it. Furthermore, it's widely reported to be reaching 'epidemic proportions', particularly among young people, and research has shown that it frequently goes hand-in-hand with eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dissociative disorders. Those caught in its clutches find it difficult to stop because of its addictive nature, or are reluctant to try because they say it helps them 'feel better,' 'more in control,' 'more alive or real,' or that it inhibits suicidal thoughts.