Talking about self-harm

Publication


Contents:	Introduction What is self-harm? How common is self-harm? Understanding self-harm Why do people harm themselves? Some common questions about self-harm How can I get help? What can family and friends do to help? Professional workers What will the future bring? Suggestions for reading Useful addresses The Internet

Is self-harm a sign of madness?. No, self-harm is a sign of distress, not madness. It is a way of trying to cope with a painful situation.

"I’d rather feel that pain (from cutting) than the pain I don’t understand."

Is self-harm a failed suicide attempt?. Rarely. Usually when someone harms themselves they don’t want to die, and sometimes it can be seen more as a way of “staying alive”.

"It hurts a lot, but that makes me feel something and that is better than feeling numb."

Is someone who self-harms a danger to others?. No, the hurt is directed at the person themselves and not towards others.

"After, I’m most always mad at myself, and rarely self-conscious."

Is self-harm “attention seeking”?. Rarely, because many people actually hide their injuries. When someone harms themself it is usually because they feel overwhelmed by events from the past or something which may have happened more recently. Sometimes people find it very difficult to find the words to express how they feel.

"Afterwards, I feel tired, physically and emotionally, as though there is nothing left in me."

Is self-harm used to manipulate others?. This is not usually the case, it is more likely to be used to communicate rather than manipulate people.

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