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Harming oneself might seem unthinkable, but some do so as a coping mechanism or emotional outlet. One way in which people do this is by cutting themselves.
There are many reasons a person may self-harm, including as a way to cope with strong emotional feelings.
Self-harm behaviors are often associated with past trauma or mental health disorders. They are also more prevalent in adolescents and young adults. A 2024 review found that the global prevalence of non-suicidal self-harm in adolescents was around
People who cut or hurt themselves in other ways may need treatment for their mental health issues rather than shunning or shame. Also, finding a healthier release for their emotions can help them recover.
Read on to learn why people cut themselves, including the psychology behind this and advice about how to stop.
Cutting, like any other coping mechanism, can be an outlet for emotional pain. People who cut report that they do so when their emotional distress feels unbearable. They do not cut themselves because they want to die or get attention.
Reasons for self-harm may include:
- coping with, or expressing distress
- self-punishment
- attempting to feel in control
- responding to intrusive thoughts
The physical pain of cutting provides an outlet for a person’s emotional pain, making the latter feel more tolerable. People who cut may report feeling better immediately after cutting, though they may feel regret hours later or in the following days.
People often self-harm as a way to manage extreme emotions. However, there is often no singular cause of the actions. People have different reasons, risk factors, and triggers for these actions. Common causes of emotional distress include:
- work or school pressure
- bullying
- relationship problems
- grief
- a history of abuse
- confusion over personal identity
- ostracization from social groups
Risk factors
Self-harm is more common in people who:
- have gone through traumatic experiences
- misuse drugs or alcohol
- have certain mental health conditions
- depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- eating disorders
- personality disorders
Self-harm is also more prevalent in adolescents and young adults. Authors of a 2024 review note that female adolescents are more likely to self-harm than male adolescents. The rates were
Some warning signs that a person may already be self-harming include:
- They have lots of unexplained injuries.
- They wear long sleeves, even during the summer or when they are hot.
- They are secretive or retreat during times of stress.
- They need to go to the emergency room or see a doctor because of unusual injuries.
Self-harming is highly treatable. Medications can help control the emotions that trigger the impulse to self-harm.
Some people achieve good results with antidepressants. Most, however, need therapy. Therapy offers a healthy outlet for intense emotions and can help a person establish better skills for coping.
The following treatments may help:
- dialectical behavior therapy
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- emotion regulation group therapy
- manual cognitive therapy
- dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
People who self-harm may need immediate treatment for their injuries. When a person has scars or severe burn marks, they may seek cosmetic surgery and other treatments to reduce the appearance of these injuries and avoid probing questions.
People who self-harm may also be at a higher risk of suicide, and the
It might seem like self-harm is a choice, but for people who do so, the impulse can be overwhelming.
Shaming, blaming, or making the person feel guilty may not help. Because these strategies can intensify painful emotions, they may even make the cutting worse.
People may instead want to try the following methods:
- Ask the person about their feelings.
- Listen to them without judgment.
- Offer to help the person find treatment.
- Suggest there are other ways to deal with overwhelming emotions.
Parents who are worried about a child or young person should find ways to create a safe environment without being punitive or needlessly controlling.
Being excessively punitive can backfire, making a child’s emotions feel even more unmanageable.
Family therapy may help the whole family develop better strategies for managing self-harm.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Some people may self-harm as a coping mechanism or outlet for intense emotions. Self-harm is often associated with mental health conditions, although it can have many, often complex, causes.
Helping a person who cuts or self-harms may save their life or prevent serious injuries. Cutting is not a choice but a sign of extreme distress. Treatment can help, while shame, anger, and judgment will not.