What is self harm?
“Self-harm is a way of dealing with very difficult feelings that build up inside. People deal with these feelings in various ways”- Young Minds.
Some of the ways in which people self-harm include:
- Cutting or burning themselves
- Hitting or biting themselves
- Hitting walls or other hard objects
- Pulling out their hair
- Taking overdoses.
Why do people self harm?
Young people often can’t explain or figure out why they self-harm. The reasons can be very complicated. Many people who self-harm see their behaviour as a way of surviving. They may be able to cope better with physical pain than with terrible emotional pain.
For more information about self harm visit the TEWV CAMHS websiteGetting More Help
Talking to family and friends about your worries can help you feel more supported. You might want to talk to someone outside the family like a GP, teacher or mentor at school, or even a friend’s parent. Choose someone you trust and if you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, you could write them a letter or send them a text. Support is also available through Childline, Compass Phoenix, Kooth and Recovery College Online.
Childline
Childline provides a free and confidential telephone service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
Visit Childline website Call 0800 1111BUZZ US
Compass Phoenix offers a confidential text messaging service, called BUZZ US, to young people aged 11-18 across North Yorkshire.
Visit Compass Phoenix website Call 07520 631168Recovery College Online
The Recovery College Online provides a range of online educational courses and resources to people with mental illness.
Visit Recovery College Online websiteGetting Urgent Help
If you’ve seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose call 999 or get immediate medical advice from NHS 111.
If you are in a crisis and feel like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away. Search below for help or see the Urgent Help page for contact details for the North Yorkshire single point of access Crisis Service.
Things you might find useful
Self harm information sheet
How can I talk to someone about my self harm? From the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.
‘It really is worth talking to someone. It’s the first step in a long journey, but from the moment you take that brave step you’ll feel very much less alone. Good luck!’
Read PDFYoungMinds - self harm support
Information on what is self harm? Plus support on how to stop self-harming.
Visit Young Minds websiteNo Harm Done
A short video by YoungMinds, co-produced with young people affected by self-harm, talking about their own experiences.
Watch on YouTubeSupport for self-harming behaviour and suicidal thoughts
The North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website provides support for children and young people with self-harming behaviour and/or suicidal ideation.
Visit North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership websiteMind - self harm advice
Darlington Mind offer awareness workshops and counselling for young people aged 11-18 who are experiencing self harm. You can access support if you live in County Durham, Darlington, Hambleton, or Richmondshire. If you or a family member is feeling low and in need of support and assistance, please get in touch with Darlington Mind. More information is available using the below link.
Check out this resource