Why is it so difficult to stop self-harming?

Self-harming, becomes an addiction. One of the quotes I use to describe it is, "we become addicted to the thing that takes away the pain." People use it as a way to escape reality, and as a result a 'happy' chemical is released and our body likes that chemical, just not the way it's produced. Take care! With love, Breathe Breathe

Self harm is an addiction, and just like any addiction it's a very difficult habit to break. And that's okay! You wouldn't expect a smoker to be able to quit smoking with the snap of their fingers, and you can't expect that from a self harmer either.

It is a an addiction after a while. It's something you always resort to because you have in the past sadly.

It is dificult because it's really something like an addiction. It's actually an addiction. You start thinking that you'll do it to see how it feels, if it makes you feel better and free. Then, you end up wanting it all the time, and you end up cutting deeper and deeper as time passes, because you just can't get enough. That's it.

You can get into a cycle with it. As others have said, it is an addiction. It releases endorphins, which can make you feel good. Breaking the habit is very hard - when you're feeling very low sometimes it is all you can think about, but then when you're on an 'up' you may regret it, feel ashamed and embarrassed. You have to try out new methods of coping and it can take a while to find the right one for you, be it simply talking and being open and honest, meditation, exercise or being creative in some way. Also, if you can recognize, while in low mood, that you are going to regret it (as you usually do) when you're feeling better again, it can help you adjust to better methods of coping.

Scientifically speaking, self-harm releases endorphins which cause you to feel happier. Speaking from personal experience, people seem to help quicker if they see marks. It also seems that it is a lot easier to show that you need help if you actually show it.

its like a drug to some people

Self-harm is so hard to start because, like alcohol and drugs, it is addicting. When you self-harm the body releases chemicals that make you feel good. Once you feel good, you want to keep feeling good. You get hooked on doing what you can in order to get the same good feeling you have before.

When you start self harming its like one pain is taking away the other, but it is only making it worse. When I started self harming it was like a saving grace until you realize the amount of cuts you have put on your body. You get addicted to the feeling of pain being taken away.

It is hard to stop anything that has became our "normal" activity. When we feel accustomed to certain things, it becomes a habit and our brain considers it a routine. When a person self-injures the brain releases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, and have a somewhat calming, soothing effect, which explains the pleasure from self-harm. We humans naturally want to feel good so it becomes sorta like an addiction over time :')