This study included 90 participants in New South Wales who had sought medical attention after an attempt to harm themselves. Their accounts of the events leading up to their action were explored in detail. A descriptive quantitative analyis was undertaken & known risk factors for deliberate self-harm were explored. Secondly, a qualitative analysis was done of the motives expressed at the time of the event. Lastly the identified risk factors were combined with the circumstances & motive of attempt.