Self-harm
If you’re struggling with self-harm, you’re not alone, and there are ways to cope and heal. This page will help you understand self-harm, recognise the signs, and explore healthier ways to manage difficult emotions. Support is here to help you take the first steps toward feeling better.
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is the act of purposefully hurting yourself. People sometimes feel urges to hurt themselves and then act on those feelings. Some examples of the ways that people harm themselves include:
- Hitting
- Burning
- Cutting
Some people have urges to harm themselves, but do not act on it. It is still important if you are feeling these urges to reach out and get support.
Some people think differently about self-harm. Some people are more open about it and want to talk about their self-harm, while others are more private and might get embarrassed if their harm is exposed. It’s important to remember that people cope in different ways.
Self-harm felt like the only way to cope, but talking to someone helped me find healthier ways to deal with my emotions. It’s a hard journey, but I’m starting to feel more in control.
Are you currently thinking about harming yourself?
If you are currently thinking about harming yourself, please speak to somebody immediately. You can contact us or speak to somebody you trust. If you need support right now, dial 999.
Is self-harm serious?
People who feel urges to harm themselves experience them in different ways. No matter how you are experiencing these urges, it is really important to understand that it is serious.
People who experience these urges often try to harm themselves. They may think that it is the only way for them to escape the pain they are experiencing.
However low you are feeling, harming yourself is not the answer. There are many ways that you can get help and feel better without needing to cause any more pain to yourself, or your loved ones.
The impact of harming yourself or intentionally trying to end your life extends beyond you. There are people that care and want to help.
Avoid drugs or alcohol
Alcohol and drugs may make your feelings worse. If you are experiencing thoughts that make you want to harm yourself, it is best to avoid any form of drug or alcohol.
Distract yourself
If you are feeling the urge to harm yourself, find things that you can use to distract yourself. It could be reading a book, spending time with friends, listening to your favourite music or watching your a movie.
Get some exercise
When you’re feeling low, it is important to keep active. If possible, try to exercise somewhere outside in the fresh air to help you clear your mind and feel a bit better.
Find alternatives
When you are feeling the urge to harm yourself, it may be a good idea to have a bank of alternative activities or coping mechanisms available – maybe even write them down.
Get support, speak to us
I thought I had to face everything on my own, but getting help showed me there are better ways to cope. Now, I’m learning to handle my feelings without hurting myself.
What should I do if I know someone who is self-harming?
You may be reading this page because you know somebody who is experiencing urges to harm themselves or has harmed themselves.
The first thing for you to know is that it is okay for you to not understand how they are feeling. Most people who have never experienced these urges may find it difficult to understand, but this doesn’t mean you can’t support them.
Here are some important tips to help you out:
- Be patient and understanding: People experiencing these urges sometimes need time to come to terms with how they are feeling.
- Hear them out: People respond differently to these urges. Some will want to talk more about it and others less. Be there to listen if they want to talk about it.
- Avoid the subject: Unless they bring it up, avoid talking about these urges. They may be enjoying the distraction of talking about something different. Don’t point out scars or evidence if you see them. A lot of people will feel embarrassed.
I think I might need some help... what do I do?
If you have been reading this page and are worried because you are feeling that you want to harm yourself, it is really important that you reach out to somebody.
There are so many different options that you can think about, and all of them will be able to help you some way. Do not suffer in silence, reach out to someone now to start getting the help that you need.
If you feel like you want to harm yourself, talk to somebody immediately to make sure you are able to get the help you need.
GET SUPPORT
SPEAK TO US
SPEAK TO SOMEBODY THAT YOU TRUST
SPEAK TO A DOCTOR
Self-harm and depression
Urges to self-harm can be caused by many different things. Some people experience these urges briefly, and this may be caused by something specific. For example, the loss of a loved one or a particularly traumatic event.
Some people experience these urges for longer periods, and may not be able to work out what the reason for feeling that way is. A lot of people experiencing these thoughts may be suffering from a mental health condition.
Depression is a mental health condition that causes people to feel low for long periods of time. Some people who are experiencing more serious levels of depression may feel lower than others. Sometimes, feeling low leads to having feelings of wanting to cause themselves some kind of harm.
If you are feel urges to self-harm, you should speak to someone you trust as soon as possible to get the support you need.