You might self-harm because you have had a very difficult or painful experience or a bad  relationship. They may include:

• Bullying 
• Losing someone close to you, such as a parent, brother, sister or friend.
• Lack of love and affection or neglect by parents or carers.
• Physical or sexual abuse.
• A serious illness that affects the way you feel about yourself.

Other young people may start to self-harm as a way of dealing with the problems and pressures of everyday life. Pressure can come from family, school and peer groups. Young people can be made to feel angry, frustrated or bad about themselves if they cannot live up to other people's expectations.

Young people who self-harm may have low self-esteem. For some this is linked to poor body image, eating disorders, or drug misuse. Understanding why young people self-harm involves knowing as much as possible about their lives and lifestyles.