Self harm
Self-harm is one of the most urgent mental health problems because, if you’re self-harming, you’re doing real damage to yourself every single time with the risk that things may get out of control.
Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts, cuts or injures him/ herself. For some people, self-harm is seen as a way of coping with stress or painful feelings. It’s more common among teens than adults.
You may be cutting, punching, scratching or tearing at your skin, burning, bruising, pulling out your hair, driving dangerously or abusing drugs or alcohol. They are all forms of self harm.
Some people self-harm regularly or over a long period of time, others might self harm only once or a few times.
Either way, if you self harm it's very important that you seek help and support. It might seem that nobody understands what you're going through or that you are alone but remember there IS help available.
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF SELF HARM
IN A FRIEND
Despite what it may seem, self-harm is NOT a cry for help and attention. Often the injuries are deliberately hidden from other people and the person who is self harming probably feels guilty or ashamed. If you think a friend is self harming, don’t criticise them, they need help and support.
Here’s what to look for:
- Continuing cuts, scratches or bruises that never seem to heal properly.
- Unexplained scars or cuts on top of scars.
- Staying apart from others and seeming down or angry a lot of the time.
- Wearing long sleeves and or covering their legs even in warm weather.
- People who self harm might have other problems such as an eating disorder, drug or alcohol abuse.
