Self-Harm

Introduction

Self harm is very common in young people who use it as a way of coping with traumatic or stressful periods or events. It is often mistaken as suicidal behaviour but has now been recognised that self harm is a way of keeping alive and getting through upsetting situations.

Self harm can be inflicted in many different ways including cutting, burning, scratching, biting, bruising, poisoning and pulling out hair. Some people use it as a way of coping with a stressful situation and then never do it again whilst others may use it as a way of coping day to day.

Why?

• When you can't express your pent up emotion any other way.
• Some people feel numb inside and it's a way of feeling more alive.
• A punishment.
• Something you can control about your life.
• The physical pain is more manageable than the mental turmoil.

It is sometimes thought of as attention- seeking behaviour. In actual fact most people are very ashamed of the fact that they self harm and will go to measures to stop people finding out. There is a lot of stigma attached to self harm and this can make it very difficult to seek help. It is also important to remember that the size of the injury doesn't reflect the size of the turmoil going on inside that person.

Help

Many people find it hard to ask for help with their self harming behaviours as they don't want people to think they're mad, they're not sure who to go to or they're worried about people's reactions.
Self harm can be tackled alone but it's always better to get someone else involved. There are many alternatives to self harm whilst you are tackling the issues behind it. Here are a few examples:

• Holding an ice cube in your hand.
• If you like the sight of blood, draw on yourself with red pen instead.
• Doing some hard exercise.
• Punch pillows
• Putting a rubber band around your wrist and flicking it.

If your self harm has become something you rely on, it is recommended to get professional help from your GP. Student health is used to dealing with problems like this so they will not judge you and will help you tackle this self destructive behaviour.