Self-harm is the deliberate infliction of harm on one's own body.

About 5% of people harm themselves in this way. A person who self-harms usually does not intend to kill themselves. But they are at increased risk of attempting suicide if they do not get help.

Self-harm usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Some people may engage in self-harm a few times and then stop. Others engage in it more often and have difficulty stopping.

Examples of self-harm include:

• Cuts (e.g., using a razor blade, knife, or another sharp object to cut the skin).

• Punching oneself or hitting objects (e.g., against a wall)

• Cigarette, match, or candle burning

• Pulling hair

• Pushing things through holes in the body

• Breaking bones or bruising oneself

Why do people do this?

Some people use cuts as a coping tool. Some teenagers say that by hurting themselves, they are trying to stop feeling lonely, angry, or hopeless.

The desire to hurt yourself can be overcome. Counseling a psychologist can help with this. At Serenity, people who want to hurt themselves can find help and support.