mental health stories/songs

self-harm

*this is for educational purposes only*

self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts or mutilates their body without meaning to die. Although death may still occur as a result of self-harming behavior. Self-harming is a behavior and not in itself a diagnosable mental disorder. Self-harm often occurs in young people who experience depression, anxiety, behavioral problems and substance use.

facts

not all people who self-harm are suicidal but it can be a sign that they are thinking of suicide

self-harm often begins during youth and can be a way of communicating how bad someone feels or a method of coping with intense pain or distress

around 1 in 6 young people have engaged in self-harm at some point in their lives and around 1 in 15 during a 12 month period

helping a young person who self-harms

some people can just stop self-harming others can continue in a way that minimizes physical risks and others can place themselves at risk of dying. Even when self-harming behaviors stop, young people can experience long term consequences associated with shame, guilt or coping with physical reminders like scarring. The best way to help someone who is self-harming is to encourage them to get support.

What to look for

There are many different things that class as self-harm. The most common is cutting and self poisoning. Young people could also burn themselves as a way to harm themselves.