Does scratching count as self harm if I don't bleed?

In clinical psychology, an act is considered self-harm if (a) the person deliberately inflicts tissue damage to his/her own body, and (b) the action is used as a coping mechanism to regulate either negative intrapersonal (anger, dysphoria, feelings of numbness or dissociation, etc.) or interpersonal experiences (seeking attention or comfort, or trying to keep others at a distance). Under this definition, many acts can be considered self-harm, not simply cutting or scratching until blood is drawn, but also scratches that simply leave a mark, pinching, hitting, burning, etc. It's not as much about what you do but why you do it, that will define whether the behaviour is self-harm (referred to as "non-suicidal self-injury" in clinical and research settings).

Self harm is defined as anything you do, physical or emotional, that intentionally causes you harm. And, yes, scratches are harming yourself. I do NOT vouch for self harming, but I do vouch for other neutral coping skills for depression and anxiety. Things like holding an ice cube in your hand can simulate the same feeling you get from self harm. And, I've drawn cool designs on my arms in the past to keep myself from cutting. There are tons of neutral and positive coping skills to try, and cutting is not one of them.

Yes it does because you are deliberately hurting yourself. Please don't selfharm. Message me if you need to chat xxx

Self-harm is anything that causes you harm. Most people think of making yourself bleed and don't really take you seriously when you say you hit yourself or you scratch yourself. It doesn't have to leave a permanent mark. If you ask any psychologist, they will tell you that self-harm is exactly that; harming yourself. If you're in doubt, make sure you see a competent doctor. I've had some that come from the older generation and aren't up to date with new methods, issues and scientific findings. If you are indeed scratching yourself on a daily basis, I would strongly urge you to see a professional for some advice. Don't worry, they very rarely lock people away for self harming and they can't force you to take drugs either. That's your choice. I know because I've been told all this by a professional myself. Hope this helps. =)

Self harm is just what it sounds like, and scratching purposely, even if it doesn't do much damage, is still harming yourself. Self harm includes cutting, burning, hair pulling and/or eating, picking (to pick at your skin or scabs), and hitting yourself. The only way I wouldn't consider what you do as self harm is it you only do it when you're scratching an itch. I started scratching when I was 11 and which led me to self-harm. I recommend you to stop before it becomes very serious. Take care of yourself, you are beautiful

Yes, I believe it does count as self harm, as you are still hurting yourself even if you don't bleed.

Self harm can take place in many forms, it doesn`t have to just be cutting or bleeding. It can be bruising, burning, self-neglect, scratching and many other things.

Yes, it diffidently counts; any intended harm to yourself is self harm. Burning, punching, pinching, scratching or putting yourself in harmful situation and subjecting youse of to unhealthy habitués with the intention of deteriorating yourself is self harm.

In my personal experience I think it does. Unless that scratching came about as an unexpected accident such as perhaps an accidental scratch from a sharp tool or friend or animal then it is self harm. Many people, myself inclusive in the beginning used to think that scratches that didn't draw blood were not self harm, it was just something to do to distract myself. But then I realized that the thoughts that led me to do that were not healthy, surely one does not scratch themselves for injury as though they were scratching a mere itch. Its a way to feel a different pain from what is aching in our sub-conscious although it doesn't led to the same scars as those that bleed. Talk to someone, maybe even on here - Let it out and free yourself from what's anchoring you towards self harm

Yes, it does dear. I'm sorry, I used to scratch all the time. Try rubbing with your knuckles instead.