Self-Harming

Understanding Self-Harm

Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts themselves as a way of coping with difficult feelings or experiences. It is often a sign of underlying emotional distress or mental health challenges.

Self-harm is not about seeking attention but usually a way of managing overwhelming emotions that may feel hard to express in other ways.

While it may provide short-term relief, self-harm does not address the underlying issues and can lead to longer-term physical and emotional harm.

With the right support, there are safer ways to cope and begin to feel better.

Why Do People Self-Harm?

People may self-harm for many different reasons. These can include:

Coping with Difficult Emotions

Self-harm may be used to manage intense or overwhelming feelings, such as:

anger, sadness, or loneliness
guilt or frustration
anxiety, stress, or feeling out of control
emotional numbness or emptiness
feelings of rejection, abandonment, or disgust

Communicating Distress

If it feels difficult to talk about your feelings, self-harm may become a way of expressing that something is wrong or that you need help.

Regaining a Sense of Control

For some people, self-harm can feel like a way to regain control—especially if they have experienced:

abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
trauma or neglect
bullying or isolation
situations where they felt powerless or overwhelmed

Research shows that self-harm can sometimes bring temporary relief from emotional pain. However, this relief is often short-lived, and the underlying difficulties remain.

Signs of Self-Harm

Self-harm can take different forms, and the signs are not always obvious.

Physical Signs

cuts, burns, bruises, or scars
injuries that may be covered by clothing, jewellery, or tattoos
frequent “accidents” or unexplained injuries

Some forms of self-harm, such as overdosing or poisoning, may not leave visible marks.

Behavioural and Emotional Signs

withdrawing from others
wearing long sleeves or covering up, even in warm weather
difficulty talking about feelings
low mood, anxiety, or emotional distress

Risks and Effects

Self-harm can have serious physical and emotional consequences, including:

infections or complications from wounds
long-term tissue damage or scarring
damage to veins or arteries
significant blood loss or pain

Other forms of self-harm, such as substance misuse or overdosing, can lead to:

damage to the heart, liver, or digestive system
blood poisoning or other life-threatening conditions

Self-harm can become increasingly dangerous over time. Without support, there is also a risk to life.

Reaching Out for Support

If you are self-harming, or thinking about it, you are not alone. It may feel difficult to talk about, but support is available and people want to help.

Speaking to a trained counsellor can provide a safe, confidential space to explore what you are going through and find safer ways to cope with difficult emotions.