Self Harm is when someone deliberately hurts or injures him or herself. This can take place in a number of ways including:
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Cutting
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Taking overdoses of tablets and medicines
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Punching oneself
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Hitting their body's against something
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Pulling out their hair and eyelashes
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Scratching, picking or tearing at their skin
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Burning themsleves
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Inhaling or sniffing substances
Some people harm themselves on a daily basis whereas for other people it may be an occasional thing. For some people it is a way of coping with specific problems and they may stop once the problem is resolved. Others self harm for many years when pressures and feelings arise.
There are many different reasons why people self harm, it may often be the result of very difficult or painful experiences they have endured. These may include bullying or discrimination, losing someone close to them, lack of love and affection at present or through their childhood or physical and sexual abuse. Although the above reasons are not always the case, some people may self harm as a way of dealing with the problems and pressures of everyday life. It could also be a sign of low self-esteem, powerlessness, loss of control or a fear of losing control.
It is important for people who are self harming to seek help and support to deal with their difficulties.
About 1 in every 10 people self harm and it can happen at any age.
Counselling and therapy can help address the underlying issues that are the reasons behind the self harming. It will help them to understand why they sometimes feel the way they do and can help provide practical ways of dealing with them without self harming. It can also be useful to meet other people who have experienced similar problems of self harm. Self Help groups can provide a chance to talk about feelings and help people realise they are not alone and talking with family and friends can also help.
For further details of useful websites to view in regard to self harm and to see what leaflets and books you can access at our Information Point within DAMH, you can click on the self harm word document at the top right of this page or alternatively you can click on the contact us at the top of the page to send us a message or request an Information Pack on one of the subjects listed.
Please note:
The information contained within this information pack is for general information only and is not intended to replace or substitute the advice or recommendations given by a medical professional. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the reliability of the information provided, Dundee Association for Mental Health (DAMH) cannot recommend any of the services or resources included or accept any liability for the quality of service they provided.