Self harm isn’t an easy topic to explore. But l want to educate on all topics, even the really tough ones, to make sure that we (and all our users) can be there for those who may be struggling and need to get the right help. Even so, if for whatever reason you don’t feel ready to learn more about this, or you feel triggered by this topic, it is absolutely okay to not explore this more.
In this piece, I will take you through what self harm is and how to seek help.
What is self harm?
Self harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves, often as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. Sometimes someone may not know why they are hurting themselves. Self-harm can take many forms and can be emotional or physical.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, it’s really important to seek help. You can do this by…
- Talking to someone you trust: it can be scary to open up about self-harm, but talking to someone you trust can be a helpful first step. This could be a friend, family member, teacher or pastoral care at school
- Speaking to your doctor: your doctor will be able to give you personalised advice and support if you are struggling with self-harm or your mental health. Remember, your doctor is here to help however they can and are used to speaking with people in this situation
- Seeing a therapist: a therapist can help you work through the underlying issues that may cause you to self harm. They can also teach you healthy coping strategies which can help with difficult emotions join a support group: this allows you to meet other people with similar experiences and give you a feeling of community. It can be helpful to talk through and learn from others’ experiences.
- Calling a helpline: there are many helplines available for people struggling with self-harm. They provide a safe and confidential space to talk about your feelings and offer you support. You can find some below.
Helplines:
- Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text them on 85258 from wherever you are in the UK, text “SHOUT” to start
- Samaritans: call 116 123
- Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141
- Mind: Call for free on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
All services are free and ready to help
Remember, if you feel at risk of self-harm or feel suicidal, please seek help today by calling 999 or going to your nearest A&E department
I knows this is a scary topic. Remember, getting help takes courage, but it’s such an important step towards healing. You don’t have to go through this alone, and there are people who care and want to help you.
By Karis Harwood
