Self-harm is a way of expressing deep distress and some people can't fully explain why they do it. Often it’s a way of expressing what cannot be put into words. Afterwards people can feel pressure has been released and they are better able to cope, although this may only last for a short while before they feel the need to self-harm again.
It can often be the result of difficult or painful experiences as a child or young adult. Perhaps, at the time, they felt they had no one to talk too, or to help them deal with things.
Research suggests that people who self-harm are more likely to have low self-esteem, be anxious, stressed and/ or depressed.
Self-harm can take many forms including:
- scratching, cutting and burning the skin
- swallowing things or putting things inside the body
- taking unnecessary risks such as staying in an abusive relationship
- poisoning
- eating disorders, including severe weight loss
- alcohol/drug misuse
- punching the body
There is more information on self-harm on the following websites:
