Personally...I don't think it is. People usually self harm when they feel so horrible; trapped; numb; helpless; hopeless and sad, they feel it's the only way out - because they have tried every solution and so desperately want to feel better: no alternative.

Self harm, though, is NOT a mental illness. Yes, it can be caused by feeling so bad because of a mental illness (such as depression) that you feel you have to...but therefore it's just a coping strategy: a bit like smoking but, in my opinion, worse.

So no I dont think it is a choice. And it is definately not a mental illness. Thoughts of self harm can be a symptom, but is feeling sad a mental illness ? No, it's just another symptom