It may be difficult to understand why someone would deliberately harm themselves but it's important to remember that many people do things that are harmful from time to time. Some people smoke, drink too much, or overeat. While these things may be thought to be more socially acceptable than self-harm they can also be harmful ways of dealing with stress and the pressures of everyday life.

People who self-harm are experiencing extreme distress. They are not usually attention-seeking or mentally ill. They are in a situation where they have lost control over what is happening to them and have no other means of expressing their feelings or asking for help. They need compassion, support and understanding.

To read more about what you can do if a member of your family or a friend self-harms go to the chapter on advice for family and friends in the Help for self-harm section.