Addressing Self-Harming Behaviours in Indian Adolescents. Self-harming behaviour occurs when young people hurt themselves on purpose. It is not attention-seeking, it’s a method of coping. It's hazardous and could even be life-threatening. It happens because they're upset like they're depressed, anxious, bullied, or not good enough. Research shows that self-harm can become an addiction. When children hurt themselves, their bodies release feel-good chemicals called endorphins. They connect hurting themselves with feeling good and forget their emotional pain.