Self-harm can also be referred to as self-abuse, self-injury or self-mutilation and is much more widespread than is generally recognised. Some statistics show that as many as one in 10 young people undertake some form of self-abuse.
Despite the negative physical effects, it is often a positive thing in the young person's life and as such is a coping mechanism. Most people's self-harm starts in childhood or adolescence and can continue into adulthood for many years.
It is important to understand the causes that underlie self-harm and to realise that it is very different from suicide, in that it is a person's way of continuing to survive rather than an attempt to end their life. There are many reasons why a young person may start to self-harm, such as stress, bullying, homework difficulties or abuse.
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