Self-Harm

What is it?

Self-harm is when someone injures and/or harms themselves on purpose. Examples of this may include:

  • Hitting, cutting or burning themselves
  • Pulling hair, picking skin, and inserting objects into their body and/or orifices that will cause harm
  • Interfering with healing wounds
  • Attempting to strangle themselves
  • Taking an overdose of medication
  • Punching hard objects e.g. walls
  • Swallowing hazardous substances or materials
  • Excessive drug or alcohol use
  • Excessive or restrictive food intake can also be classed as self harm
  • Self-neglect

Self-harm is often used as a means of dealing with difficult and deeply distressing emotions that build up inside until they can no longer be contained. It can help young people feel in control when they perceive they have no control in other areas of their life and it can be used to relieve pent up tension. Young people may use self harm as a means of self punishment and it can also be associated with feelings of guilt and shame. Self-harm can also be a means of briefly feeling connected to reality and feeling alive. This is often associated with past traumatic experiences where feeling numb is the only way the young person can cope with daily living.

How may Self-Harm present?

It is often difficult to detect when it is occuring due to it being something that is often done in secret. Self-harm wounds are also usually in places that are easily concealed with clothing.
However you may notice:

  • Unexplained cuts, bruises and burns
  • The explanation given does not match the injury
  • A young person may be insistent that they wear clothes to totally cover up, even in hot weather

What to do next?

  • Consider talking to the young person and letting them know what you have noticed and that you are concerned. Try to listen without being critical, even if you find the notion of self harm difficult to understand consider signposting them to some helpful websites.
  • If you are still concerned about their presentation, you could raise your concerns with their parents if you believe the self-harm is putting the young person at risk and/or the young person has expressed that they intend to harm themselves with suicidal intention. You could also liaise with the GP and/or Rise (the mental health service for children and young people) for advice. It is important you tell the young person you are going to do this; unless you believe telling them may put them at further risk.
  • If you feel at any point that the young person is so unwell or at risk that they require emergency attention you should contact the local accident and emergency department.