Why do people deliberately harm themselves?
People who deliberately harm themselves have often had tough experiences or relationships in their lives. You may have: • Been bullied or discriminated against • Lost someone close to you, such as a parent, brother, sister or friend • Broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend • Been physically or sexually abused • Experienced a serious illness or disability that affects the way you feel about yourself • Experienced problems with family, school or peer groups Deliberate self-harm may be used as a way to cope with experiences and the strong feelings associated with it.
