This article seeks to elucidate the drivers of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and deliberate self-injury (DSI), to dispel some common myths about it, and differentiate where mental ill health is a factor and affects wound management. This article also provides pointers for supporting wound management. The acronym HEIDI (history, examination, investigation, diagnosis, intervention) is used as a framework for explaining wound assessment and how to identify the care needed.