Why it can be difficult to ask for help around self harming

There are many reasons why people may find it difficult to ask for help:

* Not knowing who to ask
* Not knowing that confidential help is available
* Feeling too ashamed or bad about themselves
* Being worried that who they tell will be shocked or angry with them
* Being frightened of being labelled mad, suicidal or attention-seeking
* Bad or negative experiences in the past may make it difficult for them to trust people
* If they have been abused or neglected they may feel they are better off dealing with things on their own
* Feeling worried they may be forced into treatment they don’t want.

Find out more about self-harming

* Why do people self-harm themselves?
* How common is self-harming?
* Understanding people who self-harm
* Getting help and supporting others