Self-harm in young people: information for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people
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What is self-harm?
Self-harm is a term used when someone injures or harms themselves on purpose rather than by accident. Common examples include `overdosing’ (self-poisoning), hitting, cutting or burning oneself, pulling hair or picking skin, or self-strangulation. Self -harm is always a sign of something being seriously wrong.
Why do young people harm themselves?
Unfortunately some young people use self-harm as a way of trying to deal with very difficult feelings that build up inside. This is clearly very serious and can be life threatening. People say different things about why they do it.
- Some say that they have been feeling desperate about a problem and don’t know where to turn for help. They feel trapped and helpless. Self-injury helps them to feel more in control.
- Some people talk of feelings of anger or tension that get bottled up inside, until they feel like exploding. Self-injury helps to relieve the tension that they feel.
- Feelings of guilt or shame may also become unbear...
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