Self-harm
Hurting yourself on purpose, often as a way to cope with emotional pain. It's a sign of serious distress and a reason to reach out for support.
Category: Symptoms and experiences
What is self-harm?
Self-harm can mean cutting, burning, hitting, or scratching yourself, or taking too much of a medicine. For many people, it's a way to get through feelings that seem unbearable. For others, it's a way to feel something when they feel numb. It's usually not about attention. If you self-harm, it doesn't make you weak or bad.
Key things to know
It brings short-term relief, which is why it can turn into a pattern. Over time, it raises the risk of serious injury and of suicide. Not everyone who self-harms wants to die. Every case still deserves to be taken seriously.
- It's usually a way to cope with pain, not a bid for attention.
- The relief is short, and the pattern can get stronger.
- It raises the long-term risk of suicide, so take it seriously.
- DBT teaches other ways to get through intense emotions.
- Tele-MANAS 14416 is free and open 24x7 in India.
What helps
Help is out there. You deserve it. DBT and other therapies teach safer ways to handle intense emotions, and a safety plan can help in hard moments. If you're in danger right now, call 112. In India, Tele-MANAS is free and available 24x7 at 14416.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.