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Home » Self-tests » Self harm test

Self harm test

Here you can do a self-test that can help you find out if you have self-harming behaviour and what can be done about it.

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Instructions

Read each question and choose the answer that best matches your experience.

Have you ever intentionally injured yourself?(Required)

No, never.

Occasionally, a few times.

Yes, several times.

How often do you feel the need to harm yourself?(Required)

Never or very rarely.

Sometimes, especially when I feel bad.

Often, it feels like the only way to manage my emotions.

Do you feel guilt or shame after hurting yourself?(Required)

I have never hurt myself.

Sometimes I feel guilty or ashamed.

Yes, I often feel ashamed afterwards but find it hard to stop.

Have you ever tried to hide marks or wounds from self-harm?(Required)

No, I have other ways of dealing with emotions.

Sometimes, but I try to find other solutions.

Yes, it feels like the only thing that works.

Do you use self-harm behaviour as a way to cope with emotions?(Required)

Often, I am strongly influenced by the feelings of others.

Sometimes, but I try to keep a certain distance.

Rarely, I don’t let myself be influenced much by other people’s feelings.

Do you feel you have control over your impulse to harm yourself?(Required)

Yes, I don’t feel a strong impulse to do so.

Sometimes it’s hard to resist.

No, I feel that I cannot control the impulse.

Have you talked to anyone about your feelings and possible self-harm?(Required)

I have support to manage my emotions.

No, but I have thought about doing it.

No, I feel that no one would understand me.

Have you felt that self-harming behaviour has become a pattern that is difficult to break?(Required)

No, I have no such behaviours.

Sometimes it feels like a habit, but I try to stop.

Yes, I feel like I’m stuck in it.

How does your self-harming behaviour affect your everyday life?(Required)

Not at all, I have no problem with this.

It affects me sometimes but I deal with it.

It affects me a lot and makes it difficult to function normally.

Have you had thoughts of harming yourself more seriously or tried to take your life?(Required)

No, never.

I have had such thoughts, but I have not acted on them.

Yes, I have had such thoughts and tried to seriously harm myself.

Your score

Count your points and understand your result:

23-30 points: High risk of self-harm – Your answers suggest that self-harm may be part of your everyday life. It can be very helpful to seek professional help to find other ways to deal with your feelings. If you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact emergency psychiatry or call 112.
16-22 points: Some signs of self-harm behaviour – You may have certain tendencies or impulses to harm yourself. It may be helpful to reflect on why you feel this way and seek professional support from a psychologist or therapist.
10-15 points: Low risk of self-harm – You seem to have a stable relationship with your emotions and deal with difficult situations in a healthy way. If you are still feeling stressed or anxious, it may be helpful to talk to someone about it.

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What is self-harm?

Self-harm behaviour involves deliberately harming oneself as a way of coping with difficult emotions or psychological pain. It can take many forms, such as cutting, burning, hitting oneself or otherwise causing physical harm. For some people, self-harm behaviour is a way of coping with anxiety, anger, shame or feelings of emptiness.

Self-harm behaviour is often linked to:

Strong feelings of anxiety or depression
Difficulty expressing feelings or asking for help
A feeling of not being in control of their life
Trauma, abuse or other difficult experiences
Low self-esteem and self-hatred

Many people who self-harm do not do so as a suicide attempt, but it can be a warning sign of great suffering. Self-harm behaviour can also become addictive, as it can provide short-term relief from emotional pain. However, it usually leads to more suffering in the long term, both psychological and physical.

If you recognise yourself in the description of self-harming behaviour, it is important to know that there is help available. Talking to someone you trust, a therapist or a doctor can be the first step towards finding other ways to deal with difficult feelings.

This test is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional assessment, but it can help you reflect on your behaviours and feelings. If you score high on the test, it may be a good idea to seek professional support.

What can I do if I am self-harming?

If you are self-harming, it is a good idea to talk to a psychologist or therapist to help you overcome your problems. At Lavendla, we have professionals who can help you along the way. If you have suicidal thoughts or plans, it is important that you call 112 or go to the emergency psychiatric centre.

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