Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It is a way of expressing deep emotional feelings such as low self-esteem, or a way of coping with traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one.
Types of self-harm may include:
- cutting the skin
- burning the skin
- punching your own body
- poisoning yourself with tablets
- misusing alcohol or drugs
- eating disorders, such as deliberately starving yourself (anorexia nervosa), binge eating or bulimia
People often try to keep self-harm a secret because of shame or fear of discovery. For example, they may cover up their skin and avoid discussing the problem. It may, therefore, be up to close family and friends to notice when somebody is self-harming, and to approach the subject with care and understanding. The signs may include unexplained injuries and signs of depression or low-self esteem. Read more about the signs of self-harm on the website.
Someone who is self-harming can seriously hurt themselves, so it is important that they speak to a GP about the underlying issue and about any treatment or therapy that might help them.