Self Harm

Difficulties We Work With

Self-harm are behaviours to deliberately cause pain or injury to oneself. This can include cutting, burning, biting or scratching the skin, pulling out hair, hitting oneself, or repeatedly putting oneself in dangerous situations.

There are various reasons people may engage in self harming behaviours, such as:

To cope with difficult or painful emotions
To feel temporary relief from the emotional pain
To manage issues the person may be experiencing
As a form of punishment toward themselves
To release tension or other emotions
To feel ‘something’ as opposed to a feeling of numbness they may be experiencing
To feel in control

Individuals who engage in self-harming behaviours may harm themselves with no intention to end their life, however, sometimes they may have suicidal ideation.

If you or someone else’s life is in danger or it is an emergency, please call 000.

Below are some additional supports if you are in crisis:

Lifeline (24 hours) – 13 11 14
Mental health Line (24 hours) – 1800 011 511
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Calm Harm – a free app developed by psychologists to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm.

Self Harm

Difficulties We Work With

There are various reasons people may engage in self harming behaviours, such as:

If you or someone else’s life is in danger or it is an emergency, please call 000.

Below are some additional supports if you are in crisis:

Explore Other Difficulties