Self-harm means hurting yourself on purpose. People may self-injure for many reasons. For some, it might feel like relief, like taking the lid off a pressure cooker. Others might self-harm because physical pain might remind them that they’re alive. But self-harm can sometimes be more severe than intended or lead to infection. Treatment is available.
Self-harm is when you injure yourself on purpose. Also known as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder, people who self-harm do things to hurt themselves but don’t want to cause death. They may injure themselves:
Self-harm can take many forms. Some are more common than others, but all come with risks. Some of the most common self-harm behaviors include:
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If you self-harm, you may try to hide it from those around you. You might wear long sleeves or pants to cover up, even if it’s hot outside. Or you might tell stories to explain your injuries as an accident. Even so, other people might notice the following symptoms of self-injury:
The most likely body areas for a person to injure are:
Self-injury is less common elsewhere on their body but is still possible.
It’s hard to say exactly what causes a person to self-harm. But certain mental health conditions are linked to self-injury, including:
Risks for nonsuicidal self-injury include:
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Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder can be difficult to diagnose. People who self-harm tend to hide their injuries and avoid talking about them.
Healthcare providers don’t use a specific test to diagnose self-harm. Instead, they inspect your injuries, looking for patterns and scars from previous self-harm. They ask questions about your medical and social history. They also talk with you about what’s going on in your life. They look for things that might add stress, like financial problems, a recent death in the family, trouble at school, bullying or a break-up.
If you see a healthcare provider about self-harm, they’ll first treat your injuries if needed. Longer term, they may recommend therapy and/or medications to help manage underlying mental health conditions and life stressors.
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Getting treatment for self-harm is important because it has several potential short- and long-term risks.
Short-term risks
Sometimes, self-harm leads to issues you didn’t intend, including:
Long-term risks
Self-harm can also lead to long-term issues, including:
Preventing first-time self-harm isn’t always possible, but seeking help from a mental healthcare provider can reduce the chances that someone will continue to self-harm.
If you realize that you (or notice that someone you care about) are self-harming, reach out to a healthcare provider. Your injuries may require medical care. It may also help to know that you’re not alone. Your healthcare provider is there to listen and support you. They’ll recommend a treatment that’s right for you.
You should go to the ER or call 911 (or your local emergency services number) if you feel like you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or others. In the United States, you can also dial 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You should also seek emergency care if your injury is severe, including if it causes:
Part of why self-harm can be a coping mechanism is because of how your body processes and reacts to pain.
When your body encounters something that can damage it, nerve endings in the affected areas send emergency signals to your brain. One of the things your brain does in response to those signals is to release beta-endorphins. These chemicals trigger a domino effect that makes you feel better for a short time. But the effect doesn’t last very long. So, people who self-harm may use it more often to try to feel better.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
For many people, self-harming behaviors may be difficult to understand. For those who self-harm, doing so may feel like it’s the only way to feel better or to have some control in their lives. While people might not mean to endanger themselves, self-harm still has risks. Because it isn’t a sustainable way to feel better, it also negatively affects your physical and mental health and well-being.
If you feel the need to self-harm or are doing so, it’s OK to ask for help. Seeking care for self-harm is no different from seeking medical care for a physical condition. It may not feel like it now, but it’s possible for you to feel better both physically and mentally.
Last reviewed on 05/09/2023.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy