The act of self-harm may sometimes be mistaken for a daily accidental injury, especially when the injury occurs in an area that can easily be masked or interpreted as a common injury. The following are some ways of self-harm that may be similar to accidental injuries and corresponding identification signals： --- ### **1. Sharp scratches (such as blades, scissors)** -**Confusing situations**: Scratched by paper, scratched by pets, accidentally cut during housework. -**Identification signal**： -The wounds are neatly arranged (such as parallel lines), concentrated in hidden areas such as arms and thighs. -Repeated similar scars, old and new wounds coexist in healing. -Deliberately cover up with long-sleeved clothing or accessories. --- ### **2. Scald or burn** -**Confusing situations**: Cooking scald, low temperature scald in a hot water bottle, sunburn in the sun. -**Identification signal**： -Round or regular scald marks (such as cigarette or lighter scald). -Scald areas are not common (such as the inside of the arm and abdomen). - The explanation is vague or contradicts the described situation. --- ### **3. Hit or impact injury** -**Confusing situations**: Sports bumps, bruises from falls. -**Identification signal**： -The bruises are concentrated in the same area of the body (such as repeatedly hitting the calf or chest). -The marks of self-injury from the use of hard objects (such as hammers, books) may have a different shape from ordinary bruises. --- ### **4. Excessive scratching or pulling skin** -**Confusing situations**: Mosquito bites, skin allergies, eczema. -**Identification signal**： -The scratches are deep and dense, accompanied by scabs or infections. -Frequent scratching of the same area (such as the back of the hand, scalp) may result from anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behavior. --- ### **5. Substance abuse or overdose** -**Confusing situations**: Taking medicines by mistake, overdosing on colds. -**Identification signal**： -Lack or hoarding of medicines (such as painkillers and sleeping pills). -Abnormal symptoms such as drowsiness and vomiting occur, but avoid seeking medical attention. --- ###**Other signals to pay attention to** -**Behavioral level**： -Avoid talking about the source of the wound or explaining inconsistencies. -Show tension or resistance to others touching your body. -New scars appear after being alone for a long time. -**Psychological level**： -Depressed, anxious, and self-deprecating words. -Social withdrawal or sudden mood swings. --- ###**How can I help? ** 1. **Avoid accusations**: Use concern instead of questioning, such as: “I noticed that you have a lot of scars on your hands recently. Do you want to talk about it?" ” 2. **Listening and supporting**: Recognize the other party's pain and avoid simplifying problems (such as “just think about it"”. 3. **Encourage professional help**: Psychological counseling or accompanying medical treatment is recommended to inform that this is a treatable way of coping. --- Self-harm is often an external manifestation of inner pain, and early intervention and emotional support are essential. If you or someone around you have a similar situation, please seek the help of a mental health professional.