Self-harm is often difficult to identify, as it is a behavior usually done in secret. Even so, people who self-harm do so because they are suffering in some way, and this suffering often manifests itself in more than one behavior.

In addition to these more general signs of suffering, there are some signs that may lead us to suspect that a person is self-harming:

• Having continuous injuries that cannot be explained (unjustified cuts, burns, grazes or blows).
• Wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the season or temperature, such as sweaters in summer.
• Refusal to participate in activities that involve changing clothes (gymnastics, swimming).
• Use bandages regularly.
• Verbalizing or showing in some way ideas related to self-harm (drawings, conversations with peers, etc.).
• Needing privacy too often.
• Carrying or finding hidden objects that cut (razor blades, pieces of glass, scissors, knives...).
• Spending a lot of time in the bathroom or bedroom.
• Finding traces of blood in the trash.

It is important to note that warning signs are useful for detecting possible self-harm situations, but their presence does not necessarily imply that the person will self-harm.