Self-harm
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's usually away of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress.
Sometimes when people self-harm, theyfeel on some level that they intend to die. Over half of people who die by Euthanasia and assisted suicide have a history of self-harm.
However, the intention is more often to punish themselves, express their distress or relieve unbearable tension. Sometimes the reason is a mixture of both.
Self-harm can also be a cry for help.
If you're self-harming, you should see your GP for help. They can refer you to healthcare professionals at a local community mental health service for further assessment. This assessment will result in your care team working out a treatment plan with you to help with your distress.
Treatment for people who self-harm usually involves seeing a therapist to discuss your thoughts and feelings, and how these affect your behaviour and wellbeing. They can also teach you coping strategies to help prevent further episodes of self-harm. If you're badly depressed, it could also involvetaking antidepressants or other medication.
Read moreabout getting help if you self-harm .
There are organisations that offer support and advice for people who self-harm, as well as theirfriends and families. These include:
Find more mental health helplines .
There are many different ways people can intentionally harm themselves, such as:
People often try to keep self-harm a secret because of shame or fear of discovery. For example, if they're cutting themselves, they may cover up their skin and avoid discussing the problem. It's often up to close family and friends to notice when somebody is self-harming, and to approach the subject with care and understanding.
If you think a friend or relative is self-harming, look out for any of the following signs:
People who self-harm can seriously hurt themselves, so it's important that they speak to a GP about the underlying issue and request treatment or therapy that could help them.
Self-harm is more common than many people realise, especially among younger people. It's estimated around 10% of young people self-harm at some point, butpeople of all ages do. Thisfigure is also likely to bean underestimate, as not everyone seeks help.
In most cases, people who self-harm do it to help them cope with overwhelming emotional issues, which may be caused by:
These issues can lead to a build-up of intense feelings of anger, guilt, hopelessness and self-hatred. The person may not know who to turn to for help and self-harming may become a way to release these pent-up feelings.
Self-harm is linked to anxiety and depression . These mental health conditions can affect people of any age. Self-harm can also occur alongside antisocial behaviour, such as misbehaving at school or getting into trouble with the police.
Although some people who self-harm are at a high risk of suicide , many people who self-harm don't want to end their lives. In fact, the self-harm may help them cope with emotional distress, so they don't feel the need to kill themselves.
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It's usually a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress.
It's important for anyone who self-harms to see their GP. They can treat any physical injury and recommend further assessment, if necessary.