Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts themselves, often as a way of coping with difficult or overwhelming feelings.

People self-harm in different ways. This can include:

  • cutting or scratching the skin
  • burning the skin
  • hitting or punching yourself
  • pulling out hair or eyelashes
  • taking an overdose or swallowing harmful substances
  • putting yourself in dangerous situations
  • over-eating, under-eating or exercising too much

Some people self-harm regularly, while others may do it occasionally, or only when experiencing a lot of stress or pressure.

Self-harm often starts in adolescence, the time when we move from being a child to an adult. This is the stage in our lives when we develop:

  • a sense of identity and self-worth and form thoughts and opinions about who we are
  • our own ways of managing or coping with distress and strong emotions

The way these develop can often be shaped by difficult experiences and whether we are made to feel secure, valuable and supported by the people around us.

Self-harm does not always mean someone wants to end their life. For many people it is a way of trying to cope with emotional pain.

If you self-harm, you are not alone. Many people use self-harm as a way of coping when things feel overwhelming.

Support is available, and over time, many people find safer ways to cope with these feelings.

If you have seriously injured yourself or think you may need urgent medical help, go to A&E or call 999.

Why people self-harm

People self-harm for many different reasons. The reasons can be complex and may change over time.

Often self-harm is connected to trying to cope with very strong feelings. 

Some people say self-harm helps them:

  • release overwhelming emotions
  • cope with anger, sadness, fear or shame
  • feel something when they feel numb or disconnected
  • express feelings that are hard to put into words
  • regain a sense of control
  • punish themselves when they feel they deserve it

For some people, self-harm becomes a coping strategy that develops over time.

Self-harm can make sense to the person experiencing it, even if others find it difficult to understand.

Understanding what self-harm means for you can sometimes help you find other ways to cope when you feel ready.