Self-harm, or self-mutilation, is the act of deliberately inflicting pain and damage to one's own body. Self-harm most often refers to cutting, burning, scratching, and other forms of external injury; it can, however, also include internal or emotional harm, such as consuming toxic amounts of alcohol or drugs or deliberately participating in unsafe sex .
What Is Self-Harm? (Plain Language Explanation)
Self-Harm refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Self-Harm
- Symptoms: The specific ways self-harm shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen self-harm
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When self-harm occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Self-Harm
- Self-Harm is far more common than most people realize
- Self-Harm is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with self-harm see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about self-harm is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing self-harm, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.