Self Inflected

Eschewing graphic images and alarmist rhetoric, Self Inflected calmly explores the phenomenon of non-suicidal self-injury, seeking through interviews to understand why some people choose to hurt themselves. According to Mitch Prinstein, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina, “Cutting is the most common form of non-suicidal self-injury.” The reasons vary, but the afflicted seek an outlet for coping with problems rather than simply running away from them. Janis, one of three subjects, describes herself as outgoing. She started to cut herself when she found the stress from college overwhelming. She would cut her arms, bandage them up, and then cover the bandages with her clothing. When her friends found out, they offered unconditional support, and she was able to stop when she realized that she was also hurting them. Alex cites high school bullying as the instigating factor. Instead of fighting back, he would hit, punch, or cut himself in private until he found less destructive outlets for his frustration. Shelly, who is 42, self-harmed for 28 years. She describes it as an addiction, but appears to have the situation under control, and now concentrates on sharing information and providing resources for other sufferers (her story could actually have used more detail). Other speakers include a mother and a sister reflecting on their experiences as both outsiders and as part of a support system. An initial onscreen warning cautions viewers about the material, but the re-enactments of self-harm and glimpses of scar tissue are brief and impressionistic. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)