Self-harm results when an individual sets out on purpose to hurt or injure his/her self. Self-harming behaviour can manifest itself in different ways but involves something that hurts such as:
Cutting
Burning
Overdosing on tablets or medicines
Punching
Throwing the body against an object
Pulling out of hair or eyelashes
Scratching, picking or tearing at their skin
Inhaling or sniffing harmful substances
Swallowing objects
Inserting objects into the body
Tying ligatures around the neck, arms, or legs to restrict the flow of blood
Ingesting small amounts of toxic substances or objects to cause discomfort and damage but with no intention to die.
An individual may self-harm on a regular basis or only occasionally. It is evident that for many it is a way of coping with a specific problem and they stop once the problem is resolved. Other people self-harm for years whenever certain kinds of pressures or feelings arise, an example of this was Kelly Holmes the Olympic gold medallist who self-harmed when she was injured or when her training was not going well.
Self-harm can be seen as the opposite of suicide as it is often a way of coping with life rather than of giving up on it. However, some individuals may go on to complete suicide and often this is unintentional.
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