Self-harm is not limited to suicide.

There are different behaviors for harming yourself. A difference to remember is that someone who self-harms still see a future of living.

It’s important to recognise this is different from someone trying to die.

You may find self-harm confusing.

• From what we understand, the reason for self-harm is to do with the brain.
• The parts of the brain that deal with pain experience emotional and physical pain at the same time.
• So, when someone self-harms, there is a rise in physical pain and then a drop.
• This results in a brief drop in emotional pain, giving some relief to the person in their turmoil.
• The self-harm may also restore a sense of control or be a way of punishing themselves in self-loathing.

If someone you know is self-harming, you should reach out.

It is dangerous and can be helped.

It can escalate beyond control and lead to serious harm.