Self-harm is a form of behaviour that may or may not be linked to a diagnosis of mental illness. Self-harming is often a secretive form of behaviour; (sane.co.uk) it can have many motivating factors for those who use it. It can also be both upsetting and inexplicable to those who do not have direct experience of it, and who may be concerned about the behaviour in those they care about. There can be uncertainties, anxieties and misapprehensions on both sides. Those who engage in this behaviour may be anxious about others knowing about it, while a worried family member or friend may be confused and distressed and, while wanting to provide help and support, may not know how best to do this.
As a starting point we looked at the incidence of
As a starting point we looked at the incidence of