Understanding and responding to self harm

This page provides professional information about understanding and responding to self-harm, where to get help and promoting self esteem.  

What is self-harm?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence describes self-harm as ‘an expression of personal distress, usually made in private, by an individual who hurts him or herself. However, the nature and meaning of self-harm vary greatly from person to person’.

Remember anyone can self-harm and whatever the reason, it is a sign of emotional pain and distress.

Some types of self-harm include:

-          Cutting

-          Scratching

-          Taking an overdose

-          Excessive drug or alcohol taking

Why people self-harm?

People self-harm for different reasons, to escape from overwhelming emotions, to release tension, or to feel more in control of things. Whatever the reason, self-harming is a sign of emotional pain and distress.

Background circumstances for self-harm include:

-          Bereavement

-          Abuse (Physical, emotional or sexual)

-          Growing up

-          Relationships

-          Bullying

-          Problems at home

-          Money problems

-          Sexual feelings

-          Pressures at school

-          Neglect

-          Family difficulties

-          Eating disorders

-          Drug or alcohol problems

How to spot the signs

People who self-harm may suffer mood swings and become withdrawn. If you are a teacher, you are especially likely to notice signs. Share your concerns with colleagues who know the person and identify the most relevant member of staff to consider what action could be taken.

Other signs include:

-          Unexplained wounds

-          Lack of motivation

-          Changes in eating habits

-          Cover up there body- even in hot weather

What to do if you know someone is self-harming

If you are worried about a child or young person who has self-harmed remember that often they will keep it a secret because they feel ashamed and don’t want to talk about it. If someone confides in you, try to:

• Not to be judgemental or get angry
• Pay due attention to their injuries and affirm that they and their body are worth caring about.
• Gently encouraging them to examine their feelings and to talk to someone about why they self-harm.
• Emphasise all the non-harming aspects of the person's life to help develop and support their sense of self-worth.

The information above has been sourced from Mind, a mental health charity. See the full article.

For more information download YoungMinds booklet ‘Worried about Self-Injury.'

Resources for professionals

Self-harm charity, Harmless have several leaflets on understanding and dealing with self-harm:

General information leaflet for young women and girls who self-harm or who are at risk of self-harming.

General information leaflet for young men and boys who self-harm or who are at risk of self-harming.

Leaflet on coping strategies for people who self-harm.

Mental health charity, Mind have produced a booklet for anyone who self-harms, their friends and family.

Mental health charity, Rethink have written an article that provides a number of ways to help someone who self harms.

Self-injury charity, First Signs has developed a booklet with information for Health Care Workers, family, friends and teachers of young people who harm themselves.

Resources to help children and young people

Training for professionals

Harmless provide a good range of training course on supporting and helping people who self-harm.

Support and research charity, Young People in Focus have developed a training pack covering topics such as suicide and self-harm, recognising risk, responding to self-harm and the impact on the professional.

Where to go for more advice and help

As well as the numbers listed below, people who self-harm should contact their GP. It might help them to write down what they want to say before they go, if they feel the visit could cause them distress. A GP can refer to specialist treatment.

Helplines

Child Line

Tel: 0800 111 111

24-hour line for children, young people and families.

Mind info line

Tel: 08457 660 163

Monday to Friday 9.15am to 5.15pm

Provide information on a range of topics, they can also provide details of where to access help and support in local areas.  

Samaritans

Tel: 08457 909 090

24-hour line for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Feedback

If you have any questions about any of the information above, or if you would like to suggest valuable content, please contact us

CAMHS Communications Team

Tel: 020 8541 7760

camhs@surreycc.gov.uk