Self-harm or self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose. About 1 in 100 people experience self-harm and can use it as a way of coping with problems. Self-harm is not a mental illness but rather a behavior that indicates a lack of coping skills and a way to regulate mood. Several illnesses are associated with self-harm including: depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or other eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Please remember this information is intended for educational purposes only and should not substitute medical advice from a healthcare provider.