Self Harm

Self-harm is when you injure yourself on purpose. It can be making yourself bleed, leaving a scar, marking or brusing yourself. The most common ways to self-harm are cutting, scratching, hair pulling and burning, and is most common with girls than boys.

There are different reasons why people self-harm. Some people self-harm because they are...

Being bullied
Being abused
Upset and can't find help

People say it helps them feel better if they self-harm, or they do it to show other people they're unhappy and have other problems. Usually, people who self-harm don't ask for help because they feel ashamed of doing it, but there is support for you. It shouldn't rule someone's life.

Someone is self harming if they...

...have cuts, bruises or burns which are unexplained
...wear clothing to hide their injuries, even if it's hot outside.

Are you worried about a friend or sibling?

Try and listen to them and let them talk about how they feel. It can help some people if they can talk to others about their problems.
Tell them you are there for them. It can be supportive to know you have someone to go to if they want to talk.
Search for web sites which can help you. Try a popular search engine to find information on self-harming and organisations which can help you.
Encourage them to see their Doctor. They should be able to refer them to a counsellor, who works on a one-to-one basis. They're trained to listen.

Are you Self Harming?

You don't need to keep it a secret. Talk to someonoe you can trust. It can help to talk to someone about your problems.
Start writing a diary, so when you feel you need to self-harm, you can make a note of how you feel.
Keep your wounds clear or they might make you ill

Who To Contact...

Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90
Meic - 080880 23456
NHS Direct - 0845 46 47
ChildLine - 0800 1111

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