Self Harm

Self Harm

Short Definition:

Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.

It can be a way of:  

• expressing something that is hard to put into words 
• turn invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible 
• change emotional pain into physical pain 
• reduce overwhelming emotional feelings or thoughts 
• have a sense of being in control 
• escape traumatic memories 
• have something in life that they can rely on 
• punish themselves for their feelings and experiences
• stop feeling numb, disconnected or dissociated (see dissocation and dissociative disorders)
• create a reason to physically care for themselves 
• express suicidal feelings and thoughts without taking their own life. 

After self-harming you may feel a short-term sense of release, but the cause of your distress is unlikely to have gone away. Self-harm can also bring up very difficult emotions and could make you feel worse. Even though there are always reasons underneath someone hurting themselves, it is important to know that self-harm does carry risks. Once you have started to depend on self-harm, it can take a long time to stop.

Jacqueline’s Useful Tips:

• Find someone you trust and feel safe with and open up about how you are feeling.
• Seek medical support from a GP
• Join a support group.
• Be kind to yourself and be patient.

Useful Links & Further Resources:

• Harmless.org.uk    User-led organisation that supports people who self-harm, and their friends and family.
• nshn.co.uk    Survivor-led online support forum for people who self-harm, their friends and families.
• Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. 116 123 (freephone) You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. 
• Sane.org.uk   Offers emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems.
• https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/