Self Harm

What is Self Harm?

The term self harm describes a range of things people do to harm themselves on purpose. Examples of this could be:

• Cutting
• Burning
• Hitting
• Taking overdoses

Understanding Self Harm

Self harm can be hard to understand both for the person doing it and those close to them. People who self harm may do so for various reasons e.g. to cope, to feel in control, or to let go of strong emotions. Self harm releases certain chemicals into the body which can give a sense of relief or release. This can mean that people start to feel they need to self harm in order to cope, a bit like an addiction. Giving up can be very scary.

If you self harm and want to stop try to talk to someone you trust about it. While you may feel as if no one understands, there are people who can help. This could be your doctor, school nurse, counsellor or a specialist adviser. The organisations listed on the right all have trained advisers who are able to listen to you and help you find the support you need. They won’t judge you. People who self harm are not necessarily suicidal but these organisations and helplines can help you if you are self harming, in emotional distress or suicidal.

Useful Websites

Samaritans

Childline

Papyrus

Mind