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Self Injury (Self harm)

People can harm themselves for a number of reasons. Some young people cut or brand themselves as a sign they are part of a particular group and like any other form of self harm it is a risky thing to do.

Other young people harm themselves for reasons which are often linked to relationships - it could be a recent conflict, a break up in the family or with a girl or boyfriend, or it may be linked to abuse. Sometimes it can be related to being lonely or confused about your sexuality or how you are affected by people's reaction to your sexuality.

Self Harm Definition

The National Inquiry into Self harm among Young People offer this definition of self harm (which is sometimes also called self injury). In its broadest sense, self harm describes a wide range of things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and usually hidden way, which are damaging.

Within this, the particular focus of the National Inquiry is:

  • Cutting behaviours
  • Other forms of self-harm, eg burning, banging, hair pulling
  • Self-poisoning

The National Inquiry is not looking at: eating disorders, drug and alcohol misuse, risk taking behaviours such as unsafe sex, dangerous driving.

People harm themselves in different ways. It can include cutting your flesh, eating hardly anything or binge eating and being sick, or attempting suicide. It can include activities like heavy drinking, smoking or drug use.

Whatever the circumstances, if you or someone you know is harming themselves there are people who can help. These include youth workers, teachers and counsellors. The Samaritans and Childline should be able to put you in touch with someone who can give you support locally.

There are many good organisations that can help you talk through any of the issues raised here.  See also the newly updated LifeSIGNS SIA (Self-Injury Awareness) Booklet -  £5 plus postage: http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/.

Organisations

BPD World

BPDWORLD is here for one and all, our information focuses on borderline personality disorder (BPD) but we have a lot of information available to all, including depression, self-harm, anxiety and much more. Whether you have depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), schizophrenia or any other mental health problem, this website aims to offer what you need.

Helpline: 0870 005 3273
Telephone: 0870 0056787
Address: 22 Revenue Chambers, St Peters Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1DL.
Website: http://www.bpdworld.org/

LifeSIGNS

LifeSIGNS (Self Injury Guidance & Network Support) is a UK charity that aims to support all people who are affected in anyway by self injury within the United Kingdom and beyond. LifeSIGNS supports people using self injury, and family and friends of people who self injure, and people (including Health Care Workers) who are interested in self injury.

Email: help@lifesigns.org.uk
Website: http://www.selfharm.org/index.html

National Inquiry into Self-harm among Young People

This is the website for Truth Hurts - the final report by the National Inquiry into self-harm among young people aged 11-25 years old, which has been jointly run by the Mental Health Foundation and the Camelot Foundation.

Launched in 2004, the two-year Inquiry has heard evidence from over 350 individuals and organisations, and most importantly listened to the voices of young people who have experience of self-harm.

The National Inquiry is calling on the Government to launch a UK-wide initiative to develop better and more appropriate responses to young people who self-harm, starting with an awareness campaign targeted at professionals, parents and young people.

Should you have any questions regarding the status of the Inquiry or you would like to share information regarding self harm please contact the team at the addresses below.

Address: Self Harm Inquiry, Camelot Foundation, University House, 11 - 13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX
Email: info@selfharmUK.org
Website: http://www.selfharmuk.org/

Self-Harm: Recovery, Advice and Support

 

An online information and support centre for all 16 to 25-year-olds affected by self-harm, with articles, videos, podcasts, moderated chats, discussion boards, and an expert question and answer service.

Website: http://www.thesite.org/selfharm

Young People and Self Harm

This site is a key information resource for young people who self-harm, their friends and families, and for professionals working with them. This website is published by NCB, the nationally recognised authority on policy, research and best practice relating to children and young people in England and Northern Ireland.

Telephone: 020 7250 5700
Address: YouthNet UK, First Floor, 50 Featherstone Street, London, EC1Y 8RT
Website: http://www.selfharm.org.uk/