Types and signs - Self-harm

Self-harm is when somebody damages or injures their body on purpose. It's a way of coping with or expressing emotional distress.

If someone you know is self-harming you may think they intend to die. But more often they wish to punish themselves or relieve unbearable tension. Sometimes it's a mixture of both.

Self-harm can also be used to communicate distress to other people.

Why people self-harm

Thoughts of self-harm

If you self-harm:

• know there are ways you can avoid, distract yourself from or delay self-harm
• do not dismiss it as attention seeking
• take it seriously - so emotional difficulties do not get worse
• it does not mean there’s something wrong with you - but it can be a sign of mental health difficulties
• try to tell someone you trust about it

Searches for ways to self-harm

You, or someone you know may be searching online about how to or new ways to self-harm.

Self-harm can bring an immediate sense of relief - but this is usually only temporary.

If you continue to use self-harm as a 'coping' mechanism you can seriously hurt yourself.

First look at ways you can avoid, distract yourself from or delay self-harm.

You can also find ways to cope with overwhelming emotions.

Why get help

You can get help to find new ways to deal with your distress and feelings.

Talk to a GP about what could be causing the urge to self-harm. You can ask for treatment or talk therapy.

How to tell if someone is self-harming

People often try to keep self-harm a secret because of shame or fear of it being seen. They may cover up their skin and avoid talking about it.

If you think a friend or relative is self-harming, you can find out how to recognise self-harm.

People who self-harm may not look for help themselves. Close family and friends may need to take the first steps.

How to help someone who self-harms

Supporting someone who might have thoughts of suicide