Symptoms of self-harm

Someone might not realise that they are self-harming if their behaviours do not inflict direct harm to their body, but instead are longer-term damaging actions such as using substances or living in a way that puts their life in danger. Whether this is the case or someone is directly harming their body with instruments, they are likely to feel the urge to undertake these activities or inflict harm to themselves as a response to feeling a range of emotions, including depression, anxiety, anger or confusion.

It can be difficult to spot when someone else is self-harming. They may be displaying symptoms of experiencing another mental health condition. Signs somebody might be self-harming include:

• Wearing clothes they wouldn’t normally wear that cover body parts they don’t normally conceal
• Unexplained bruises, cuts or injury
• Unusual behaviour or a change in behaviour meaning they are presenting more withdrawn, angry or confused
• Not wanting to partake in usual activities or spending a lot of time alone

If you’re concerned about someone, it’s important to try and speak to them, and if you’re worried about yourself, there is support out there.