Feel like hurting yourself?
There are many reasons why people might want to hurt themselves on purpose, or ‘self-harm’. For some, it’s a way to cope with, express or relieve overwhelming emotions or tension. Self-harm can also be a way of showing someone how upset you feel. It can be a way of feeling in control especially if other parts of your life feel out of control, or you’re trapped in a difficult situation.
How can I get help?
If you’re having overwhelming thoughts of suicide and don’t feel confident that you can keep yourself safe, talk to an adult that you trust. If this isn’t possible, contact your GP. If it’s late at night, there’ll be an emergency GP number for you to use at any time. The GP will ask you some questions and give you guidance on what to do next.
Why do people self-harm?
Some people do it to try and feel more in control of their lives. Others may take risks that put their lives in danger, such as starting fights or hanging out with people who are not good for them. Using drugs and alcohol can make people take risks and do things they wouldn’t normally do when sober.
People self-harm for many different reasons and although it may seem like a good way to handle a difficult time or situation, it is not a positive coping strategy. It can give short term relief but self-harm won’t fix the root cause. It can add to your stress and even become a habit (like smoking) that you find hard to break.
Although you may not fully understand why you want to self-harm, there are ways to cope and get help.
Local support
Coping with self-harm
Mental Health Matters runs online Self-Harm – Awareness, Recovery and Education groups.
Coping with Self-Harm
Every Monday 4:30 – 6pm on ZOOM
Start your journey to recovery. Learn distraction techniques and coping strategies that can help you to reduce self-harm in your own way.
Ages: 16+
Email: share@mhmwales.org (for details and meeting ID)
Self-Harm chat & support
Mental Health Matters runs online Self-Harm – Awareness, Recovery and Education groups.
Self-Harm Chat & Support
Every Wednesday 4:30 – 6pm on ZOOM
Supportive, open and frank conversation around self-harm and anything else.
Ages: 16+
Email: share@mhmwales.org (for details and meeting ID)
Helplines
Papyrus
Papyrus runs a national helpline, HOPELineUK, including text and email services. It’s staffed by a team of mental health professionals who provide practical help and advice to vulnerable young people (under 35 years), and to those concerned about any young person who may be at risk of suicide.
Tel: 0800 068 4141
9am – 12am (midnight) 24/7
Email: pat@papyrus.uk.org
Visit Papyrus
MEIC
Information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people.
Tel: 0808 80 23456
Text: 84001
Online Chat
Visit MEICThings you might find useful
Straight-up advice - Heads above Waves
The Heads above the Waves (HATW) website gives straight-up advice on lots of issues including self-harm with real-life stories.
Visit HATW
Young Minds
Information on a range of feelings and symptoms – a site for children and young people, families, and professionals.
Visit YoungMinds