Do I have to break the skin for it to be classed as self-harm?

You do not have to break the skin for it to be self harm. Anytime you are intentionally and continually causing yourself pain or injury it is self harm.

Not at all. Self harm has nothing to do with the blood or cutting It is intentionally hurting yourself any way where you are harming yourself is considered self harm. How ever I would advise you not to self harm and try and reach put and get help

There are many different types of way to self harm. Alcoholism is considered self harm Eating Disorders are self-harm. So to answer your question no you don't have to break the skin to be classified as self-harm there's many other ways that are considered self harm.

No, any type of self-punishment including smoking and drinking is classed as self harm- if it is done to cause yourself pain. So you don't have to break the skin to be classed as self harm.

No, what matters is the intent behind the action. If you are hurting yourself as a coping mechanism or to intentionally cause pain, then it’s self harm.

You do not have to break your skin to be classed as self-harm. Self-harm is hurting yourself physically or mentally. If you already scratch yourself, or do not eat for days, you are harming yourself. Same for cutting people off which you love, or drinking. Smoking while you never smoke, only because you feel down or lost. I'm sure everyone has gone through one of the above ones or more... It's nothing to be ashamed for. If you want to talk about it, please do with someone you trust, or here on 7cups. We are always willing to listen and support you.

No, self harm includes any attempt to harm oneself. Intentional self deprecating thoughts can be considered self harm. Chances are, if you have to ask yourself if what you are doing or about to do is self harm, it probably is and at the very least is not good for you. I would encourage you to seek professional help if your situation allows it and have a support group of trusted people to help you when you feel like self harming. I also urge you to find healthy alternatives to self harm for your particular situation, self harm can be addictive and is never the right answer.

To whoever may be curious about the answer to this question, the answer is NO. Although doing things that can break your skin is classed as self harm, it is not the only way. Anything you do to yourself to cause harm on PURPOSE with the intent of hurting or harming yourself in any way, well that is self harm in my book but to others it may just depend. But no matter how you may be doing it, self harm is not an answer and it will never one. There are plenty of alternatives to self harm, there is sure to be one out there that will help ease your stress without causing harm to your person.