What is Self Harm?

Self-harm refers to intentionally hurting oneself as a way of coping with overwhelming emotional distress, difficult thoughts, or painful experiences. For many people, self-harm is not about wanting to end their life, but rather an attempt to manage emotions that feel unbearable, confusing, or difficult to express.

Self-harm can take many forms and may include:

• Cutting or scratching
• Burning
• Hitting or punching oneself
• Misusing medication
• Restricting food or engaging in harmful behaviours
• Putting oneself in unsafe situations

People may self-harm for different reasons. Some describe it as a way to release emotional pain, regain a sense of control, cope with numbness, punish themselves, or communicate distress when words feel difficult.

Self-harm is often linked to difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, or experiences of abuse, bullying, or loss. It can also be associated with feelings of shame, guilt, loneliness, or self-criticism.

Although self-harm can feel difficult to talk about, it is more common than many people realise, and support is available.

Online Therapy can provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space to understand the underlying causes of self-harm, develop safer coping strategies, and work towards feeling more emotionally supported and understood.