Self-harm

I know self-harm can feel like a way to cope with pain or anxiety, but remember your body is a precious vessel, cherish it and nourish it and treat your body with kindness – you can find a healthier way to deal with how you’re feeling.
From The Source Team

Trigger Warning – some of the content below may trigger some unpleasant emotions.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone deliberately injures their body.

Self-harm is a way of coping with the emotional pain or distress, however it is only a temporary relief and it won’t stop the negative emotions from coming back.

Watch the Young Minds video, called ‘No Harm Done’, which tells of young people, parents and professionals experiences about the difficulties of dealing with self-harm.

Why do people self-harm?

People can self-harm for many different reasons, including:

Bullying
Difficulties at school
Problems at home
Being a victim of abuse
Low self-esteem
Or other emotional difficulties

Myths about self-harm:

Self-harm is just attention seeking - FALSE, self-harm is cry for help. Those who self-harm usually keep it secret and hidden.

Only teenage girls self-harm - FALSE, it is becoming common for older people and boys to self-harm.

If you self-harm you want to end your life - FALSE, many people who self-harm do so as a coping mechanism and do not want to end their life.

Signs of self-harm:

Unexplained cuts or burns
Keeping covered even in hot weather
Changes in eating habits and weight
Blaming themselves for problems
Thinking they are not good enough
Alcohol or drug abuse

If you think your friend might be self-harming, there are ways you can support them.

The following resources may help:

Fight the urge to self-harm

Try doing these things:

Hit a cushion
Hold ice cubes
Flick an elastic band on your wrists
Have a very cold shower
Clench and unclench your muscles

Where can I get support?

If you’re using self-harm as a way to deal with your feelings, it’s important that you talk to someone and seek help. The below confidential services can support you:

NHS Mental Health Crisis Support Line, call 111 and press option 2.
Emotional Wellbeing Hub for support if you live in East and West Suffolk. Or go to Just One Norfolk for support if you live in Lowestoft or Waveney.
Kooth – Confidential online chat service.
Visit your GP

Find help now! Emotional wellbeing Support

Other support:

ChildLine – 24/7 support. Call 0800 1111
YoungMinds Crisis Text Messenger Service – Text YM on 85258.
Alumina (Self Harm UK) – Free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm.
Look at apps like Calm Harm on our ‘Useful Apps‘ page.