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When we say ‘self-harm’, we mean any way of harming yourself when things feel overwhelming. 

For many people, self-harm isn’t about wanting to die. There are many reasons people might self-harm. It can be about trying to cope. Trying to release something overpowering. Trying to feel something when everything feels numb. Trying to survive the moment. 

People self-harm for many different reasons. It is often linked to trauma, stress, loss, abuse, mental health difficulties, or feeling unheard, unsupported or alone. While self-harm can increase the risk of suicide for some people, many people who self-harm are not trying to end their lives - they are trying to cope with what they are going through.

Self-harm is not attention-seeking or a sign of weakness. It is a sign that someone is struggling, and with understanding, compassion and the right support, people can find other ways to cope that feel safer and more sustainable.

Everyone’s experience of self-harm is different, so there is no single type of support that works for everyone. What often helps is being met with understanding, respect and care, rather than judgement or pressure to change before someone feels ready.

Support might include having a safe space to talk about what is going on, at a pace that feels manageable. This could be with a trusted person, a peer supporter, or a trained worker who understands self-harm and its underlying causes.

Some people find it helpful to explore what self-harm does for them and what they are trying to cope with, while others may want practical support to get through difficult moments, reduce harm, or find alternative ways of coping over time.

Support may also involve help with the wider things that affect someone’s wellbeing - such as trauma, mental health, housing, relationships, finances, discrimination or isolation - and support to navigate services when these feel hard to access or overwhelming.

For many people, the most important support is being believed, listened to and taken seriously. With the right support, people can move towards greater safety and understanding, in ways that feel realistic and led by them.