article page

Search for a keyword or choose from the terms below

The Talksafe Heroes are here!!

Harming yourself

What is self-harm?

Deliberate self-harm is where people do things like bruise, scratch, cut or burn their skin, pull their hair out or overdose.

Why do people self-harm?

People who self-harm usually describe it as a way of coping, of surviving rather than wanting to end their lives. Here are some of the reasons someone might self-harm:

• They have overwhelming feelings they cannot cope with, like extreme distress or anger. Self-harm may give someone in this situation a feeling of peace or calm.
• They feel numb and can’t ‘feel’ their emotions and self-harm might help the person feel more alive.
• Some people self-harm because they believe they need to be punished.
• For others it gives them a sense of being in control, especially if other parts of their lives feel out of their control. For example, if they have low self-esteem or have been through family break-up, bullying, concerns over their sexuality or abuse.

Self-harm can get out of control and lead to serious problems, so if you are self-harming or feel like you might it is really important to get help. If this has happened to you, you should talk to someone. Why not speak to one of our Talksafe Counsellors or Peer Mentors.

Stopping self-harming

It can be hard to give up a way of coping which has been helpful. If you want to stop self-harming it’s important to think about the reasons which led you to self-harm in the first place and it is advisable to talk to someone.

You could also try these strategies:

• Keep a diary, see if you can find out what ‘triggers’ your self-harm.
• Do some art, try painting the way you are feeling.
• Exercise! Go for a walk or a run.
• Try using an ice cube to press on your skin when you have the urge to self-harm.
• Try putting a rubber band round your wrist and ‘pinging’ it when you have the urge to self-harm.

Also remember that if you decide to stop self-harming and you have a relapse, just keep trying and don’t give up. It can often take a lot of attempts before you are able to give up self-harming entirely.

You can always speak to one of our Talksafe Counsellors or Peer Mentors.

Wellbeing quiz

How are you? Sometimes we forget to ask ourselves that question, and sometimes no-one else remembers to ask us. Take this quiz to see how you are doing.