Self-harm proved to me I was real, I was alive. At times it also silenced the chaos in my head, briefly pausing the repetitive flashbacks and body memories.
About self-harm
Find out what self-harm is and some of the reasons why people self-harm.
Helping yourself if you self-harm
Find tips if you want to self-harm right now. And how to cope in the long term.
Treatment and support for self-harm
Learn what treatment and support is available for self-harm.
Supporting someone who self-harms
Find out how to support someone else who is self-harming.
I hated my body and blamed it for what I'd been through, so felt it needed punishing. Learning to accept and respect my body was key to overcoming self-harm.
Your stories
Blog: “Learning to break the self-harm cycle”
Blog: “How I stopped self-harming thanks to STOP”
Blog: “Writing and music showed me another way”
Video: Talking about self-harm
Watch Ben, Lechelle, Debbie and Zainab talk about the reasons behind their self-harm. Including the different ways they’ve learned to cope and how friends and family could have supported them.
Published: August 2024
Next review planned: August 2027
References and bibliography available on request.
If you want to reproduce this content, see our permissions and licensing page.
A-Z of mental health
Browse all topics. Conditions, treatments, coping tips, support services, legal rights and more.
For young people
Are you under 18? We have more mental health information, tips and videos just for you. Take a look.
Mind's online shop
Order packs of printed information booklets, leaflets, cards, gifts and more.