Everyone has accidents resulting in cuts and bruises once in a while but it is injuries caused on purpose that are called self-harm. Self-harm is thought to be the physical response to emotional pain and distress.

There are many forms of self-harm but it can be more helpful to focus on how you feel rather than the form your self-harm takes. Whatever you do and however you refer to it, what matters most is that you feel you are being heard and understood.

Self-harm affects people from all ages and all walks of life. The things that trigger the first time a person self-harms will be different for everyone. Self-harm is a personal and immediate response to difficult and often painful emotions. It does not provide relief in the short or long term. It’s important to have the opportunity to talk through your feelings and so be able to find other ways to cope.