Self-harm
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves to deal with difficult feelings or situations.
WHAT IS SELF-HARM?
Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of coping with life’s difficulties.
It could be by causing physical harm to your body, or it could be less obvious, such as putting yourself in risky situations, excessive exercise, over-eating or under-eating.
Self-harm can make you feel better temporarily, but the cause of your distress is unlikely to have gone away. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed of self-harming. These and other worries might mean that you keep it hidden from anyone. This is a common reaction.
If you are thinking of stopping or reducing self-harming you might find it difficult to know where to start.
It is okay not to know or not to understand why you are self-harming; you can still ask for help. In fact, talking to somebody in a confidential setting might help you to understand your self-harm better and might in turn help you to look after yourself in a different way.
how can i help myself?
talk to someone
Talk to someone you trust – this could be a friend, family member or a professional.
KEEP A DIARY
Record what happens before, during or after self-harm to understand what triggers the urge.
distract and delay
Distract yourself to delay self-harm when you feel the urge.
what can i do if i know somebody self-harms?
This information is for family or friends who want to support someone who self-harms.
Make sure you let the person you want to support know that you are there for them if they need you or want to talk. Talking about self-harm with a person you care about can be upsetting and difficult for both of you. Encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult.
what support is available?
It is important to decide who would be a trusted person to talk to if you are reaching out for support. You might feel able to talk to family members, but this might feel uncomfortable too and that is okay.
If you are aged over 13, you can visit a Centre 33 drop-in session for confidential and non-judgemental support. You don't need an appointment or referral. We are here to support you.
If you are worried about your injuries from self-harm you may need to visit A&E or your local minor injuries unit. You can talk to your doctor, particularly if you are scared or worried about your injuries. Your doctor might also be able to refer you to more specialist services.
Information about helping yourself or others who self-harm.
Information and advice for 10 to 17-year-olds struggling with self-harm.
Founded by people with lived experience of self-harm, including online and phone peer support, and support for family and friends.
Useful information to help you with self-harm concerns, or to help someone else.
Information and advice for young people, plus a parent helpline.
WELLBEING TOOLKIT
Our Wellbeing Toolkit is packed with helpful advice, videos and resources designed to support you with your mental health and wellbeing. Covering a range topics, from managing stress and anxiety to coping with the pressure of exams, our toolkit offers practical tips and guidance to help you take care of yourself.
NEED HELP NOW?
If you don’t feel you can keep yourself safe right now, the following help is available to you.
• Go to any A&E department.
• Call 999.
• Call NHS 111 First Response Service and select option 2.
• Go to your GP.
• Samaritans is available 24/7 for free by calling 116 123.
• The Cambridge mental health helpline Life Line is available from 7pm to 11pm for free on 0808 808 2121.
