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.

On this page:

1. What is self harm?
2. Why do people self harm? and myths of self harm.
3. Signs of self harm
4. Fight the urge – practical tips
5. Where can I get support

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.

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 

Other support:

• ChildLine – 24/7 support. Call 0800 1111
• YoungMinds Crisis Text Messenger Service – Text YM on 85258. 
• Alumina (Self Harm UK) – Free, online 6 week course for young people struggling with self-harm.
• Look at apps like Calm Harm on our ‘Useful Apps‘ page.