How does consciousness stop us from purposely harming ourselves, is it a mental thing or just human reaction?

Question: How does consciousness stop us from purposely harming ourselves, is it a mental thing or just human reaction?
- Keywords:
- Royal Society of Chemistry: Find out more about:
  
  consciousness
  
  harm
  
  mental
Asked by Callyum Jonesss to Alex, Anaïs, Peter, Shreesha on 19 Mar 2015.
- Peter Maskell answered on 19 Mar 2015:
  
  we can harm ourselves. people commit suicide. you can cut or stab yourself. It is however not a good idea to try any of these.

Question: How does consciousness stop us from purposely harming ourselves, is it a mental thing or just human reaction?