Self harm

Self-harm is relatively common. Research shows that about 1% of Australians have self-harmed within the last month and about 8% have self-harmed in their lifetime. Most people start self-harming as a teenager or young adult. It can continue for many years and become a habit that is difficult to stop.

Examples of self-harm may include:

• cutting the skin with sharp objects
• taking an overdose of medication or drinking poison
• burning the skin
• hitting the body with fists or another object
• punching walls or other objects
• scratching or picking the skin, resulting in bleeding or welts
• pulling out hairs.

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