I've seen a lot of fics where Bucky self-harms as a coping device. But suppose HYDRA saw this behavior earlier in his conditioning. I don't think they'd stand by and watch their future weapon scratching itself up.

So HYDRA introduced new conditioning designed explicitly to prevent the Winter Soldier from self-harming or attempting suicide.

This is . . . handy, while Bucky recovers. Sort of. To be robbed of even the thought of escape. To be unable to distract himself from his mental anguish by the easiest method that actually works.

Actually, no. It sucks.

Just because he can't hurt himself, doesn't mean he can't get his enemies to do it for him.