Breakups are always hard. People cry and think it's the end of the world, then they eventually get over it. I'm sure he will too. You need to explain to him WHY you are breaking up with him. Don't just leave him hanging as I'm sure that would hurt him even more. It's sounds as though you still care about him so if he really has a problem with "hurting" himself, perhaps you should speak to his parents about it. He may need therapy.

What you are describing here does not sound like a healthy relationship. It sounds to me as if your BF needs help. Therefore, I agree with jenniferprofitt that you should make sure that his parents are aware of this tendency to hurt himself. However, this is not a reason to stay with him. If anything it is a reason to get out of the relationship. You should be as gentle as possible and, again as jenniferprofitt suggested, you should explain why you are breaking up. Despite your best efforts, he may still be upset over the breakup. That would be natural. However, you can't let his emotional problems make you feel guilty about this. He chooses how he reacts to stress and, if you let his tendency to hurt himself cause you to come back to him then you will find yourself trapped in a relationship that you don't want. Thus, you will be pulled down by his mental illness. I have one other piece of advice for you. At seventeen years old, you are still young, too young to be really considering long term relationships. At this age you should be trying to figure out what you will eventually want in a mate. So, give it a few more years. Date a number of boys. Get your education out of the way. Then start looking for a long-term relationship.

How does he hurt himself? self-inflicted knife cuts, overdose, what? this situation can go two directions. him hurting himself could be a physcological issue that needs evaluating, or it could just be a device he is using to get and keep your attention. Decide on which problem exists and either get him the help he needs or tell him its over and see what happens. you cannot be held responsible for the outcome.

My dear u r too young for this ok. take ur time. for all u know it may be infatuation and not love

He hurts himself? Talk to your parents. This is a pretty serious problem, and he may need help.

Break Up with Him.. Guys like that will only end up hurting you anyways.. you deserve better than a boy who hurts himself to seek attention.. Id consult someone at school, assuming you are still in High School, like a teacher or the principal, they will help you.. It might not seem like the cool thing to do or whatever.. but it will make things a lot easier for you.. they will help him and provide him with the attention he needs.. You don't need to deal with it and feel like you owe something to him...

Say good bye, and don't look back - let him take care of himself.