Self harm is when a person deliberately harms or hurts themselves, causing injury or pain. There are many ways to self harm and one of the most common ways is by cutting. Although it can be a shocking and frightening topic for some, it is actually a coping skill, whereby the person self harms to manage their intolerable situation or emotions.
Many persons who self harm report that they have no intentions regarding suicide, contrary to popular belief. In contrast, they may be trying to survive as best they can in the situation they have found themselves in.