self abuse

/ˌsɛlf əˈbjus/
noun
  1. Criticism or mistreatment of oneself, often through negative thoughts or harmful actions.
    • Constant self-abuse can damage a person's mental health.
    • She realized her habit of self-abuse was keeping her from feeling happy.
    • The therapist helped him stop his pattern of self-abuse and start being kinder to himself.
  2. The act of harming one's own body, such as by cutting or hitting oneself.
    • Self-abuse is often a sign of deeper emotional pain that needs treatment.
    • He sought help after years of self-abuse that left scars on his arms.
    • Schools now have programs to identify students who engage in self-abuse.