Self Harm: what it is and how to help
Julia Davies
Self-harm is a complex and often misunderstood behaviour. It refers to deliberately hurting one’s own body as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, distress, or feeling numb. For many people, self-harm is not about wanting to die, but about trying to manage feelings that feel too difficult to express or control in other ways.
Self-harm can take many forms. These may include cutting or scratching the skin, burning, hitting oneself, pulling out hair, or interfering with wound healing. Some people may also misuse substances or engage in risky behaviours as a form of self-harm. While the behaviours can look different from person to person, the underlying reasons are often similar: a need for relief, expression, or a sense of control during emotional pain.
A crucial and often misunderstood point is that self-harm is not the same as a suicide attempt. Although someone who self-harms may feel deeply distressed, many people use self-harm as a coping mechanism rather than an attempt to end their life. That said, self-harm should always be taken seriously, as it can increase risk over time and is a sign that someone needs support.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to getting help. People who self-harm are often unfairly labelled as “attention-seeking” or told to “just stop”, which can lead to shame and secrecy. Fear of judgement can prevent individuals from opening up to friends, family, or professionals. This stigma can be especially strong for young people and for those who feel they are already misunderstood.
Evidence shows how common self-harm is. Research suggests that around 1 in 5 young people in the UK report having self-harmed at some point, making it far more widespread than many realise. Studies also show that self-harm is strongly associated with anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of early, compassionate intervention.
So how can we help? Start by listening calmly and without judgement. You don’t need to fix the situation — offering empathy and taking someone’s feelings seriously can make a huge difference. Avoid giving ultimatums or focusing on stopping the behaviour immediately. Encouraging professional support, such as speaking to a GP or mental health service, can be a positive next step.
By challenging stigma, sharing accurate information, and leading with kindness, we can create safer spaces for people to seek help. On 1st March 2026 join Self Harm Awareness Day #SHAD2026 and help everyone understand that support and recovery are possible, and no one should have to cope with distress alone.
Self-harm can take many forms. These may include cutting or scratching the skin, burning, hitting oneself, pulling out hair, or interfering with wound healing. Some people may also misuse substances or engage in risky behaviours as a form of self-harm. While the behaviours can look different from person to person, the underlying reasons are often similar: a need for relief, expression, or a sense of control during emotional pain.
A crucial and often misunderstood point is that self-harm is not the same as a suicide attempt. Although someone who self-harms may feel deeply distressed, many people use self-harm as a coping mechanism rather than an attempt to end their life. That said, self-harm should always be taken seriously, as it can increase risk over time and is a sign that someone needs support.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to getting help. People who self-harm are often unfairly labelled as “attention-seeking” or told to “just stop”, which can lead to shame and secrecy. Fear of judgement can prevent individuals from opening up to friends, family, or professionals. This stigma can be especially strong for young people and for those who feel they are already misunderstood.
Evidence shows how common self-harm is. Research suggests that around 1 in 5 young people in the UK report having self-harmed at some point, making it far more widespread than many realise. Studies also show that self-harm is strongly associated with anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of early, compassionate intervention.
So how can we help? Start by listening calmly and without judgement. You don’t need to fix the situation — offering empathy and taking someone’s feelings seriously can make a huge difference. Avoid giving ultimatums or focusing on stopping the behaviour immediately. Encouraging professional support, such as speaking to a GP or mental health service, can be a positive next step.
By challenging stigma, sharing accurate information, and leading with kindness, we can create safer spaces for people to seek help. On 1st March 2026 join Self Harm Awareness Day #SHAD2026 and help everyone understand that support and recovery are possible, and no one should have to cope with distress alone.