Self Harm

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone hurts or injures themselves on purpose. It is also known as self-mutilation or self-injury. The ways in which people might do this include:

• Cutting or burning - the most common forms of self-harm
• Taking overdoses of tablets or medicines
• Punching themselves
• Throwing their bodies against something
• Pulling out their hair or eyelashes
• Scratching, picking or tearing at their skin causing sores and scarring
• Inhaling or sniffing harmful substances
• Swallowing things that are not edible
• Inserting objects into their bodies

The website www.selfharm.org.uk contains lots more info on understanding self-harm and how to get help for yourself or a family member.

For immediate help, try contacting either Saneline 08457 678000 (open from 12 noon - 2 am) or the Samaritans, 08457 90 90 90.