Self-Harm

What self-harm means

Self-harm, often called non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in research, refers to a person intentionally hurting themselves. People describe many different reasons for it, and it is most often understood as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, distress or difficult experiences rather than as attention-seeking. It can affect people of any age, though it is studied most often in adolescents and young adults.

Psychological research on self-harm focuses on emotion regulation, the effects of stress and trauma, and how people can be supported with compassion. The DSM-5-TR lists non-suicidal self-injury as a condition for further study. Self-harm is a sign that someone is struggling and deserves support; it is not a character flaw.

Talking to a professional

Self-harm can be hard to talk about, and people often fear being judged. Health professionals can offer confidential, non-judgmental support, care for any injuries and help explore what lies behind the distress. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Starting points include a primary care doctor (GP), licensed therapists and psychologists, school or university counselors, child and adolescent mental health services, and confidential helplines.

Reaching out can feel hard, and it is fine to start small, such as telling one trusted person or contacting a helpline just to talk things through. Helplines are confidential, and they support worried friends and family as well as people who are struggling themselves.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on emotion regulation, how to support someone who is struggling and crisis resources. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.