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What is self-harm?
Self-harm is when a person deliberately hurts themselves. People can cause hurt to themselves in a lot of different ways, including burning, biting, cutting, hitting, scratching or poisoning.
There is some debate about whether or not unhealthy eating behaviours (restricting food, excessive dieting, using laxatives or bingeing) and body piercing are types of self-harm. This fact sheet takes a general view, so you can choose to include or not include those things in your definition of self-harm.
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Why do some people harm themselves?
- To relieve pain.
- To feel something other than emotional pain.
- Because they are feeling overwhelmed with problems.
- Because they are feeling confused or exhausted by all of their feelings.
- Because they don’t know how else to communicate or control their thoughts or feelings.
While each person’s story is different, the most important thing to remember is that a person usually harms themselves to try to manage something they are finding difficult or overwhelming.
What can trigger self-harm?
- Thinking about past abuse.
- Stressful situations.
- Conflict.
- Depression.
- Self-hatred.
What are some consequences of self-harm?
- Feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
- People staring at injuries or asking questions.
- People judging or labelling.
- Sometimes having to wear certain clothing to hide injuries.
- Getting infections or scarring from injuries.
- Being hospitalised.
- Trying to explain things to family and friends.
Some people think that self-harm can help a person to feel better, at least a bit. However, any help self-harm may seem to give is only temporary. After self-harming, the problems are still there and the person’s thoughts and feelings are still basically the same.
How can I stop self-harming?
You may find that you can stop self-harming by yourself. If so, here are some ideas to help you stay on track and feel better:
- Distract yourself by concentrating on other things.
- Hang out with people you feel comfortable and safe with.
- Do nice, fun or caring things for yourself.
- Find new ways to deal with your thoughts and feelings, such as through art, writing, music, exercise, or meditation.
You may find that you need some help to stop self-harming. If so, here are some ideas of people and services to try:
- Call a helpline or try online counselling.
- Talk to a qualified doctor or counsellor.
- Join a group that will help you manage your thoughts and feelings better.
- Talk about your feelings, thoughts and actions with someone who is trustworthy, understanding and supportive.
- Try some of the ideas on the websites under More information.
What can I do if I know someone is self-harming?
- Try not to overreact; it does not necessarily mean they are suicidal.
- Take their behaviour seriously; don't label them as "attention seeking" because self-harm is a genuine cry for help.
- Be there, be kind, and be sensitive.
- Listen carefully and try to understand.
- Don't judge, lecture, or blame them.
- Ask someone else to help if you're not sure what to do.
- Encourage them to get help from a helpline, or a qualified doctor or counsellor.
- If a person has hurt themselves seriously, respond with first aid. For example, if a person has cut themselves deeply, wrap the cut firmly with a bandage or cloth and get medical help immediately. For this and other serious emergencies, call triple zero (000).
- Get support for yourself because you are more help to others if you feel okay.
More information
This fact sheet was developed for Somazone by Susan Hunt at eCounselling. Last updated in 2011 by Louise McCutcheon at Orygen Youth Health. Copyright © 2011 Australian Drug Foundation.
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