for young people and their friends and families
Self Harm
Self harm is when a person deliberately sets out to hurt or injure themselves. Different people will use different methods, but some of the common ones include:
- Cutting,
- Burning,
- Scratching/picking/tearing at the skin,
- Overdosing on tablets/medicines,
- Swallowing objects,
- Inserting objects into the body,
- Punching.
People who self harm do so for all sorts of reasons, in most cases people are feeling highly emotional and may be feeling a build up of inner tension. People may have had many unpleasant experiences or have been through painful relationships. For example:
- Loss of a close friend/loved one,
- Low self esteem,
- Poor self image,
- Lack of love or affection,
- Neglect.
There is a common misconception that people who self harm want to kill themselves, however for most people who self harm it is a way of coping with life and is often what is keeping them alive.
- Listen to them, don't be critical and try to focus on how the person is feeling rather than your own reaction.
- To remove the mystery around self harm, you could help them to find information about it.
- If the person's injuries are serious or look infected you should seek medical attention.
- Discuss the idea of seeing a therapist.
- Be there for them, offer your company.
Don't...
- Try to be their therapist, focus on being a friend.
- It is natural that you may feel shocked at finding out someone you love is self harming, but do your best to stay calm, and if need be gently explain your feelings to the person, but do remember they will be feeling more sensitive and vulnerable than usual.
- Don't expect them to just stop overnight.
Useful links
Related Issues
People may use self harm as a coping mechanism to deal with other problems in their lives. The following topics may be of interest to you:
Information & Education
Gaining information or learning about something is often a good first step to tackling your problems. Learn More
Resources
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The Truth About Self Harm -
Self Harm
A Self Help Guide
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Useful links
Breathing Space
Anyone can feel down or depressed from time to time. If you feel like it’s all getting too much for you, it helps to get some breathing space. Just talking about it is a positive first step in getting help: call on 0800 83 85 87 or visit their website for more information
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Hopeline UK
A confidential helpline service staffed by trained professionals who can give support, practical advice and information to anyone concerned about themselves or a young person they know who may be at risk. The helpline is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm and 7pm – 10pm, and 2pm – 5pm on weekends. Helpline: 0800 068 41 41
Look Ok, Feel Crap
“There are times in all of our lives when we feel crap, right? When people and events just annoy us and we can feel down from time to time. That’s pretty normal and isn’t necessarily a problem. It is a problem when these feelings just don’t ever seem to go away and you realise that it has been ages since you’ve really enjoyed yourself.” Look Ok, Feel Crap is a campaign run by Depression Alliance Scotland. It is aimed at highlighting depression in young people and encouraging them to seek help
www.lookokfeelcrap.org/feelingcrap/selfharm.php
Mental Health Foundation
Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is a leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind Charity
Mind's vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all, and that treats people with experience of mental distress fairly, positively, and with respect. Mind operates local services throughout England and Wales, but for people outside these areas their website also contains invaluable information on various mental health issues. The charity operates a helpline: 0845 766 0163
www.mind.org.uk
Papyrus UK
PAPYRUS is a UK charity committed to suicide prevention, focusing predominantly on the emotional well-being of children, teenagers and young adults. The Papyrus UK website provides information and advice for people who are feeling suicidal and for those who are concerned about the safety of others
www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Tel: 08457 90 90 90
jo@samaritans.org
SANEline
SANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems. SANEline receives thousands of calls every year from people like you. Whether you are seeking information or the opportunity to share your feelings with someone, SANEline aims to give you the time and space to explore your situation, without judging or telling you what to do. Helpline: 0845 767 8000 SANE also operate an email support service
sanemail@sane.org.uk
Shetland Youth Information Service
Shetland Youth Information Service aims to motivate, challenge and enhance the lives of young people in Shetland by providing support and information services, which are developed and delivered in partnership with young people. SYIS based at Market Cross and is open Mon - Fri 1pm – 4.45pm and Saturday 12noon – 4.45pm. Young people seeking individual support are invited to telephone between 9 – 5 to make an appointment with a member of staff. You can contact them on 01595 692002 or on info@shetlandyouth.com
www.shetlandyouth.com/Home.aspx
Supportline
SupportLine provides emotional support and information to children, young people and adults throughout the UK by a telephone helpline, email and post. The service is particularly aimed at those who are vulnerable, isolated, at risk and victims of any form of abuse. They deal with a wide range of issues including child abuse, self harm, eating disorders, domestic violence, mental health, anxiety, and depression. The Helpline number is: 01708 765200. For more information about Supportline you can go to: www.supportline.org.uk or email: info@supportline.org.uk
www.supportline.org.uk
To Write Love On Her Arms
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery
www.twloha.com/twloha-uk
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