Veiled Pain through Anonymity: Exploring Emotions about Nonsuicidal Self-Injury on Reddit

Nonsuicidal self-injury conversations can occur under veiled discussions,whether online or in-person, due to stigmatized emotions associated with self-harm. Previous studies addressednonsuicidal self-injury on Reddit, yet do not specifically address emotions expressed within posts. The present study assessed emotional discourse in 996 subreddit posts about self-harm engagement and related circumstances, through an inductive, thematic analysis design. Emotions consisted of four identified themes: (a) lonely and looking for belonging on Reddit, (b) despair and exhaustion trying to stop the behavior, (c) humiliated and scared after disclosure to in-person supports, and (d) thankful for subreddit support. Members discussed Reddit as a space to belong and seek support when fearing in-person disclosure, while also describing perceived wound depth inadequacy while attempting belongingness. As a result of this study, we contend emotional expression in virtual spaces can serve a dual purpose, as individuals may experience loneliness in-person but belongingness online. Simultaneously, individuals can benefit fromtheuse of online communities for disclosure practice, obtaining coping methods, and general support, potentially boosting confidence for in-person disclosure. Containing both therapeutic benefits and potentially detrimental consequences, virtual spaces, such as Reddit, can be used in clinical settings, albeit cautiously. Implications for clinical mental health professionals are included.