Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm involves individuals intentionally inflicting harm on their bodies, usually as a method of coping with intense emotions, distressing memories, or situations that feel overwhelming and uncontrollable. Specific past experiences or ongoing issues can trigger this behaviour. Self-harming actions can be either pre-meditated or spontaneous. Some individuals might only self-harm once or twice, while others may do it frequently, finding it challenging to stop. Although self-harm can temporarily alleviate distress and make individuals feel more in control, it does not address the underlying causes of their pain.
Anyone can engage in self-harm; there isn't a specific type of person who does so. However, it is more common among young people, with around 65% of cases occurring before the age of 35, typically beginning during adolescence.
It is important to differentiate self-harm from attempted suicide. While self-harm is not intended to be fatal, individuals who self-harm are at a higher risk of suicide than those who do not. Therefore, it is crucial to take their behaviour seriously.
People might self-harm for various reasons, such as to:
- Express feelings that are difficult to articulate
- Make invisible emotional pain visible
- Convert emotional pain into physical pain
- Manage overwhelming emotions or thoughts
- Feel a sense of control
- Escape traumatic memories
- Have a reliable coping mechanism
- Punish themselves for perceived faults or experiences
- Overcome feelings of numbness or disconnection
- Create a reason to care for themselves physically
- Express suicidal thoughts without taking their own life
Common signs of self-harm include:
- Cutting
- Poisoning
- Over-eating or under-eating
- Biting or scratching oneself
- Burning oneself
- Inserting objects into the body
- Hitting oneself or hard surfaces
- Overdosing
- Excessive exercise
- Hair-pulling
- Engaging in fights to get hurt
Understanding and addressing self-harm requires empathy and attention to the individual's emotional needs and the underlying issues they are facing.
Support is available
If you are self-harming or experiences urges to self-harm, or if you are concerned about another person who may be self-harming, do not hesitate in reaching out for support. You can speak to a friend, family member, or professional whom you trust. You may wish to seek support through the Student Support Team at NESCol or request assistance through the College's 'Report & Support' system. To explore other options available, please see external services below;
- Penumbra Mental Health are a charity which have a local Aberdeen Self-Harm Service, as well as a National Self-Harm Network Scotland
- Self-Injury Support provide information and support via phone, text, and email.
- LifeSIGNS (Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support) is an online, user-led charitable organisation providing information and support to people of all ages affected by self-injury across the UK.
- Samaritans offer confidential support, including a free helpline available 24/7, to people throughout the UK experiencing distress.
- Breathing Space offer a free helpline, available evenings and weekends, for people in Scotland who are feeling overwhelmed.