The reasons why someone self-harms can be diverse and can change over time. Experts divide these motivations into interpersonal and intrapersonal. Interpersonal motivations relate to relationships with others (avoiding an unwanted social event, seeking help from a family member who is perceived as unaware of the distress, etc.). Intrapersonal motivations relate to managing one's own emotions or mental states (reducing anxiety, feeling alive, calming or counteracting feelings of guilt, etc.).