Health and Wellbeing
Self injury is something people do to damage their bodies.
It can go on for years and is more common than most people realise.
Some young people self-harm on a regular basis while others do it just once or a few times.
For some people it is part of coping with a specific problem and they stop once the problem is resolved. For others, the self-harming seems to have no clear cause.
Self injury can take a number of forms including:
- cutting
- taking overdoses of tablets or medicines
- punching yourself
- throwing your body against something
- pulling out hair or eyelashes
- scratching, picking or tearing at one's skin causing sores and scarring
- burning
- inhaling or sniffing harmful substances
- risk-taking behaviour
Many people self harm for a while and then stop. But for some people it can become very serious.
No-one is really sure why self injury becomes a serious problem for some people, and not others.
Self injury is a serious problem
BUT it is important not to over-react, as this can make the person who is self-harming feel much worse, or even persuade them to hide what they are doing.
A few people who self-harm may go on to hurt themselves seriously, but generally this is not what they intend to do. In fact, self-harm is most often used as a way of successfully coping with difficult and painful emotions.
Crucial: Worried about how you'd cope if something went wrong? Make sure you know what to do in an emergency.
Where to get help
If you're worried about your self harming, or about a friend's self-harming, there is help available. A good first step is to talk to your GP (Doctor), a worker at a health drop in for young people like SHADE or Bodyzone or a helpline. They can give you general advice and information. They may also be able to refer you to specialist support.
A specialist is someone with a good understanding of self-harming. They may be survivors of self injury themselves, or people with a lot of knowledge about what helps young people stop self-harming. They can help you:
- Find safer ways to relieve stress
- Learn how to relax without self-harming
- Harm yourself less, or less dangerously
Self injury is a hard habit to break, but with support and determination, most people are able to stop self-harming.
Links
These websites will help you find health advice and services:
- Self Harm: Recovery, advice and support
Support, info sheets, links to help, and more from the Site - First Signs
Information, advice, and links to forums, including a young person's forum - Self Injury Support
Support, information, and text/email service for young women
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