After the war, Naruto realizes he doesn't love Sakura. He's finally acknowledged and people don't hate him. He has friends so why does he feel so empty. He doesn't know what's happening but he's depressed.
Naruto could recognise that it was wrong, but it's all he has ever known. Everyone knows him as the number one, hyperactive, knuckle-headed ninja but that's just how he acted for the sake of others. To begin with it was to protect himself. A way to show the villagers that he was stronger than their hatred, could smile through their fear. Tw: self harm