I don't think it's important to be able to say it. I have trouble saying it myself. Last summer my son would come to my house to swim and at first I put on my bathing suit and was ashamed of the scars on my arms so I would wear a tshirt over my suit. One day my son said, mom, those are your battle scars and they show you are a survivor. Don't be ashamed of them. I thought about that and he was right. I wear them proudly. I don't self-harm anymore even when the urges are there and I feel like a fighter for overcoming this. Be kind to yourself and love yourself no matter what you have been through. You are still here and deserve to be kind to yourself. Hugs!!

Hmm saying it can be important, to get the help you need, but you can express it in other ways, through drawing, through other actions, like purchases, by discussing other aspects with professionals, by doctors visits and referral requests, it can be made obvious without the need to actually say the words, but perhaps you could either write it down or interchange words, you could use self injury, as opposed to self harm, or words like I cut, or hurt myself, or I have a mental health problem, difficulties or condition, or I have a behavioural problem, difficulty or condition, or mention a medication used to treat a disability or illness like depression or bipolar that others may already associate with self harm/self injury, there are lots of alternative ways to let people know you have a problem with SH/SI as it's otherwise known, it doesn't have to be those words, I first disclosed I had a problem with it, to one of my first counsellors, by handing him my blade, and asking him to look after it, and when he looked at me rather vague and confused I lifted my slieve to one of my cuts, not the deeper cuts, but none the less he understood and it helped a lot, he educated me about it and how common it is, and showed me his scars from his own self harm back in his younger days, something that helped a lot, a lot of counsellors I have seen have themselves all at some time experienced self harm or know someone who has, so perhaps this is something that may help you feel better about saying those words, good luck, and I hope you find what is best for you if saying helps, great, but if not perhaps actions can help xxx *hugs* :)

Maybe this isn't the same... But when I used to talk about my mental illness..I couldn't say that..I would just say my craziness..or wiggle my finger around the side of my head.. like mental illness was a bad word..
Then I started saying those words. And people were very excepting and interested about my bi-polar. Much more accepting & understanding. Then I starting talking to break some Myths about mental illness. And to educate..
Like I said, maybe this isn't the same thing for you, but if you look at it that way? As an education tool, a way to help educate other people. Breaking myths and misconceptions about it..talking to young people.. hope it helps you. Because it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Be kind to yourself
Many many hugs &
MUCH RESPECT. ❤❤❤

I often have trouble speaking about my actual issues. I find writing them helps. I write it out, usually scrap it, re write it again etc.
Sometimes I get something I'll show my counselor, and I leave it with them. I know I can't say it, but I know I have to communicate it.

Tbh, I hate saying it too. But the good news is that you don't have to discuss it with many people anyway. Just your counselor or close friends/ family.