HealthInfo Canterbury
Self-harm
Self-harm is when you harm your body on purpose. There are many different forms of self-harm and it affects people from all walks of life. Some of the more common ways include cutting (for example, cutting the skin on your arms, wrists or thighs), burning your skin, picking at wounds or scars, self-hitting, or deliberately overdosing on medication, drugs or other substances that cause harm.
Why do I self-harm?
Often self-harm happens when you're trying to cope with strong feelings and emotions. It lets you express how distressed you are, and it can feel like it relieves tension. Sometimes it does both. Many people who self-harm have had tough experiences or damaging relationships that they are trying to cope with. Sometimes you may not even be aware of the feelings and emotions you are trying to cope with, but just know that you feel better when you self-harm. Self-harm may make you feel better in the short term, but it doesn't help you to overcome a problem over time.
What can I do about self-harm?
If you use self-harm as a way of coping with difficult feelings, it can be really hard to stop. Self-harming can become addictive, and can damage your physical and mental health, and relationships.
The best thing you can do is to talk to someone about it. See your doctor or talk to your school counsellor, another counsellor, or a mental health professional. If you feel the first person you speak to is not helping in the way you want, keep trying until you find someone you are comfortable with and who can guide you in the right direction.
Help
If you feel it might be easier for you to first talk to someone you don't know, you can try one of the following organisations:
Youthline
Freephone 0800‑376-633 (any time) or free txt 234 to speak to a counsellor.
Email talk@youthline.co.nz any time. Counsellors aim to respond to emails within 24 hours, so if you need help immediately it's better to phone, txt, or use the online chat.
Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support (MHAPS)
MHAPS provides a service called ps.Youth that offers free one-on-one peer support for teenagers with mental illness. Youthful peer support workers who understand what it is like to struggle with mental illness are trained to support young people who are going through mental distress. Phone (03) 365-9479.
You can also read about reasons for self-harming, not-so-good parts of it and ways to go about stopping.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Mental Health Foundation – Self-harm
In-depth information, including signs to look for, what to do in an emergency, getting help, and more. It also has an A-Z of mental health issues.
- Youth Beyondblue
Tips to avoid self-harming, help a friend, and more. This is an Australian site, so the contact and helpline numbers won't work in New Zealand.
Videos and resources
- NHS – Self-harm
Caroline used to self-harm as a teenager. She gives advice on how to get the right support. Plus an expert explains more about self-harm, and how to get help.
- HeadMeds.org.uk
If you are prescribed medication, you can go to this site for information about common medications, including what they are used for and what their side effects are.
- Centre for Clinical Interventions – Consumer resources
This site has online therapy modules that can help you with some of the issues that lead to self-harm. They include building body acceptance, overcoming distress intolerance, and overcoming low self-esteem.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2016.
Sources
Review key: HISEH-53215
