People who self-harm do so for a variety of reasons. These can include feeling intense distress, wanting to take control or escaping from situations that they find difficult. They may be in a state of denial or may not believe that they are at risk of harming themselves or even killing themselves.

People with mental health conditions or trauma are more likely to self-harm. But even if someone has no known diagnosis, they can still be at risk. They might have untreated depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder which can trigger episodes of self-harm. People who use drugs and alcohol are also at greater risk of self-harming because these substances can lower their ability to manage their feelings.

You can help someone who self-harms by offering support, letting them know you care and encouraging them to seek treatment. But its important not to pressure them. It takes time to break the habit and there are a range of treatments available, which can be tailored to their specific needs.

A GP or mental health professional can assess a person who self-harms and refer them to a specialist service. These services can offer psychological therapy and medication if needed. They can teach a person to recognise when they are at risk of harming themselves and help them to develop other ways of dealing with their emotions. They can also work out a safety plan and remove or limit the things that are used to hurt themselves from their environment.

It can be upsetting and uncomfortable to talk about this issue but it is important to remember that theres no need to feel guilty. Self-harm is very common, especially in adolescence and young adulthood, and many people who self-harm find recovery. Its normal to have suicidal thoughts if youre self-harming, but most people who harm themselves dont want to die.

If you think that someone is at immediate risk of suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or a crisis line such as SuicideLine on 1300 651 251.

Its best to talk about self-harm when the person is in a calm and relaxed mood. Choose a private place, so that others wont overhear what you have to say. Its also a good idea to have some first aid supplies handy, such as antiseptic wipes and bandages.

You can also ask if your local mental health trust has a self-harm treatment service and how to access it. This is a free NHS service, but its only available to people who meet their criteria. Ask your GP or a mental health worker if they can refer you, or look on the trust website for more information. You can also check with your local GP about community mental health support. This is often free and confidential. However, you must be able to get an appointment, and this can take some time. The waiting lists can be very long. Alternatively, you can find local services using the NHS Service Finder.