Self-harm is when a person intentionally hurts themself, often as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and distress. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, to talk to someone who can help.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm, sometimes called nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior, is when someone injures themself or hurts their body on purpose. The person inflicting self-harm feels emotionally out of control, and tries to self-soothe or to alleviate intense feelings of emptiness by inflicting physical pain. Self-harm is more common among women, with the highest prevalence among white adolescent girls. Cutting is more common with teenage girls, while burning or self-hitting is more common among teenage boys.

Types of Self-Harm

There are several ways people may choose to self-harm. Common techniques to watch out for include:

• Cutting, scratching or stabbing skin with a sharp object
• Burning skin with matches, lighters or heated objects
• Carving words or symbols into skin
• Self-punching or hitting

Why do people self-harm?

People self-harm for various reasons, such as to:

• Relieve intense emotions. Some people find that physical pain can temporarily help them feel better when their emotions are overwhelming. The opposite can also be true. Self-harm can be an alternative to feeling empty or numb.
• Feel in control. For some, self-harm is a way to control their body when they feel they can’t control other parts of their life.
• Punish themselves. Some people use self-harm to punish themselves for something they have done or thought.
• Learned behavior. Some people go online to learn about and seek out an online community of people who are tolerant and even supportive of self-harming behaviors.
• Express feelings. Self-harm can be a way to show emotions that are difficult to discuss. It can be a way for someone to show they are not OK when they don’t have the words to express themselves.

After self-harm, distressful emotions often return and are often accompanied with guilt and shame.

Symptoms of Self-Harm

• Visible scars, often seen in patterns or rows
• New cuts, bruises, bite marks or burns
• Wearing long clothing, even when it’s warm
• Being secretive or hiding objects
• Showing emotional and behavioral instability, or withdrawing from activities

Dangers of Self-Harm

Self-harm is a dangerous practice that can lead to:

• Wound infection
• Permanent scarring
• Untreated mental health conditions that become worse
• Serious injury

While self-harm is not considered a suicide attempt, it can be associated with suicidal ideation and decreased sensitization to bodily injury. People being treated for self-harm should be assessed for suicide risk.

How to Treat Self-Harm Cuts and Scars

Treating self-harm injuries is an important way to prevent infection and scarring. Learn about how to treat small cuts and scar prevention. 

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help for Self-Harm Injuries

Get immediate help for serious skin injuries by going to an urgent care facility or emergency room.

Signs that immediate medical help is needed include:

• Continued bleeding
• Deep puncture wounds
• Skin wounds with fever and extreme pain
• Second-degree and third-degree burns

How is self-harm treated?

Self-harm is treatable with the help of mental health experts.

A mental health specialist can offer treatment options such as talk and behavior therapy, as well as medications that can help regulate symptoms. Talk therapy and behavior therapy include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. For many of these treatments, the goal is to replace self-harming behaviors with safe ones that can help with distress tolerance and emotion regulation.

Therapy can include individual sessions, group therapy or family therapy. Inpatient and intensive outpatient programs offer a secure setting and more comprehensive treatment if the person is at risk of serious harm to themself or others. Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.

Supporting Someone Who Self-Harms

If a loved one has self-harmed, first assess if they need medical attention. Then, talk to them about why they’re self-harming, without being judgmental. Offering a caring, calm environment can help your loved one open up. Suggest resources for help that include seeing a mental health specialist.

If you or someone you know is suffering emotionally and has resorted to self-harm to try to regulate their feelings, remember that it is always possible to get help.