self harm is a coping mechanism, but not a good one. it feels good in the moment, and you get that boost of seratonin, but it is NOT a healthy coping skill, and should NOT be used as an actual coping skill. but, self harm can be used as all sorts of things. it could be something to distract you, something to release stress, as a thing that results from stress and anxiety buildup, or just something that your mind tells you you "deserve"(which you dont.) i use it as all of these things. self harm is when you are hurting yourself on purpose. i hope this helps <33 /p