ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Self-harm

Self-harm is when you hurt your own body on purpose. This can be done in different ways like cutting, scratching, burning, or hitting yourself. It might seem like a strange thing to do since we all want to keep ourselves safe and healthy, but some people do it because they feel sad or angry or overwhelmed by their emotions. It's like when you get so mad that you want to hit something, but instead of hitting a pillow, some people will hit themselves.

The thing is, self-harm doesn't actually solve any of your problems or make you feel better in the long run. It might provide temporary relief, but it often leads to more emotional pain and physical harm. It's like putting a band-aid on a cut that needs stitches - it might make it feel better for a little bit, but it doesn't fix the problem.

When someone is self-harming, it's important to let them know that they're not alone and that there are other ways to cope with their emotions. Talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeing a therapist, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can all be helpful. It might take some time to find the right way to cope, but it's important to keep trying and to keep yourself safe.