Self-harm is deliberately injuring ourself. Often this leaves a mark, a scar, draws blood or leaves a bruise. The most common ways of doing this are cutting, scratching or pricking to draw blood, burning, picking at old wounds, punching or head-banging a wall.
Who does it?
All kinds of people self-harm, but it’s most common among girls age 15-19 and men aged 20-24. It’s not known exactly how many people self-harm, as it’s often hidden.
Why do they do it?
The reasons people self-harm are often misunderstood. It isn't usually just attention seeking (after all, self-harming hurts).
For some people hurting themselves is a way of coping with emotions or anxiety. Sometimes a physical pain provides a relief to the feelings in their head.
Self-harmers usually want to stop, but don’t know how else to cope. They may not know how to express emotions, or perhaps they believe that they’re bad and deserve to be punished.
What should I do if I self-harm?
You don’t have to keep it secret or let it rule your life. Talk to someone today. Start with your GP or one of the organisations below.
In the meantime, try doing something else when you get the urge to harm. Squeezing an ice-cube works for many people.
What if one of my friends self-harms?
The most important thing is to be accepting and not judgemental. Offer to listen if they want to talk. Gently try to persuade them to get professional help and not to keep it secret.
But remember, it's not your fault if they harm, and you mustn't feel guilty if they carry on.
Further help and advice
• National Self Harm Network
• selfharm.org.uk
• bbc.co.uk/health
• Or you can call Childline on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call), 24/7, to talk about your feelings.
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Pictures posed by models.
