selfinflicted

Self-inflicted is an adjective used to describe harm or damage that a person causes to themselves, rather than injuries caused by others or by external circumstances. In medical, forensic, and psychological contexts, the term often refers to deliberate physical injuries, such as cuts, burns, poisoning, or other forms of self-harm, but can also describe non-physical harms produced by one’s own actions, like self-inflicted stress or neglect of health.

In clinical settings, self-inflicted injuries are studied under the broader category of self-harm or self-injury. These behaviors may occur in the context of mental health conditions such as depressive disorders, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, or personality disorders. Importantly, self-harm is not necessarily an indication of a wish to die, though it can be associated with suicide risk.

In legal and insurance contexts, self-inflicted harm is a factor in assessing liability, culpability, or coverage, distinguishing injuries caused by the person themselves from those caused by others or by accidents. The term also appears in figurative usage to describe consequences that are the result of one’s own choices, such as self-inflicted problems or reputational damage.

For anyone experiencing distress or thoughts of self-harm, it is important to seek help from a trusted professional, a family member, or emergency services in your area.