SELF HARM

Self-harm happens when someone hurts or harms themselves. They may:

* take too many tablets;
* cut themselves;
* burn their body;
* bang their head;
* throw their body against something hard;
* punch themselves;
* stick things in their body;
* swallow inappropriate objects.

It may look to other people that these things are done coolly and deliberately - but in fact someone who self-harms usually does it when they are very unhappy, distressed and unable to cope with their feelings. Some people plan it in advance, others do it suddenly. Some people self-harm only once or twice, but others do it regularly - it can become almost like an addiction.
 
Some of us harm ourselves in less obvious - but still serious - ways. We may   behave in ways that suggest we don't care whether we live or die - we may take drugs recklessly, have unsafe sex, or binge drink. Some people simply starve themselves.

What is EMOTIONAL HEALTH?

How can I help myself?

The feelings of wanting to self-harm go away after a while. If you can cope with your upset without self-harming for a time, it will get easier over the next few hours. If you feel like you want to harm your self try some of the following techniques;

* Talk to someone - if you are on your own perhaps phone a friend.
* If the person you are with is making you feel worse, go out.
* Distract yourself by going out, singing or listening to music, or by doing anything (harmless) that interests you.
* Relax and focus your mind on something pleasant - your very own personal comforting place.
* Find another way to express your feelings such as squeezing ice cubes (which you can make with red juice to mimic blood if the sight of blood is important), or just drawing red lines on your skin.
* Give yourself some 'harmless pain' - eat a hot chilli, or have a cold shower.
* Focus in your mind on positives.
* Be kind to yourself - get a massage.
* Write a diary or a letter, to explain what is happening to you - no one else needs to see it.

It's Your Choice have counsellors that can help young people come to terms with the feelings they have and help to effectively manage the self harming.