Self-Help Info & Resources Common Questions About Self-Harm What is self-injury? What is self-injury? Self-injury affects people of all genders, ages and backgrounds. Download our factsheet 'Defining Self Injury' It can be many things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and often hidden way like cutting, burning, overdosing, scratching, biting, hair pulling and breaking bones. Sometimes people think they are the only ones doing it but research shows that the UK has one of the highest rates of self-harm in Europe, with 400 in every 100,000 people harming themselves. These numbers are based on those that go to hospital or to their GP and as lots of people don’t seek help there are many more people that self injure than are counted in these official figures. In the UK alone, it affects at least 10% of young people and 6% of adults. And these are only the people that we know of. It is actually predicted to be much higher and we know that up to 50% of people don’t seek support. Self-injury is when someone intentionally causes damage or harm to their own body. Examples include cutting, burning, poisoning and bruising and are often used as a coping mechanism or to express overwhelming emotional distress, but can also be for other reasons such as dealing with intrusive thoughts or voices. MYTH: Self-injury is a way to seek attention. This is untrue! Many people who self-harm feel ashamed of it and find it hard to seek help1. They often hide their self-harm from others. If you notice someone’s self-injury, it means they need help and support. MYTH: Self-injury is a ‘failed’ suicide attempt. This is not true! Many people who self- injure are not suicidal but use it to cope with overwhelming emotional issues. The injuries people have made are often not life-threatening. For many people self-harm is about surviving. Self-harm can be confusing for you and the people around you. If you do self-harm, remember—you are not alone. This website is here to help break down why you may self-harm and how to tell someone about it. Manage Cookie Preferences