Some young people harm themselves intentionally as a way of coping with strong feelings such as emotional pain, anger, worthlessness or distress. It is rarely an attempt to get attention, as it is common for people who self-harm to try to hide their injuries.

Self-harming may stem from traumatic childhood experiences, and is often a sign of low self-esteem, powerlessness and loss of control. Triggers can include being rejected by someone important to them, feeling inadequate, feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances, or being blamed for something they have no control over.

Some of the most common ways that young people harm themselves include: cutting or scratching, scalding or burning, biting or punching, pulling out hair or eyelashes, or biting or tearing the skin on hands or fingers. Young people may also put themselves in dangerous situations – such as painting graffiti on bridges or joy riding – with no regard for their personal safety. Research by Penumbra found that some 4,000 hospital admissions a year in Edinburgh are due to self-harm related conditions.

Young people who are self-harming need to be treated with compassion and respect, and supported to help them identify what triggers their behaviour and how to find alternative ways of expressing themselves.