Self-harm

Self-harm is when somebody damages or injures their body on purpose.

Self-harm is not usually an attempt at completing suicide, but a way of expressing deep emotional feelings, such as low self-esteem. It is also a way to cope with traumatic events, or situations, such as the death of a loved one, or an abusive relationship. Self-harm is not an illness, it is an expression of personal distress.

Types of self-harm may include:

• cutting the skin,
• burning the skin, and
• destructive, or dangerous, behaviour, such as misusing alcohol or drugs.

How common is self-harm?

Shame and fear of discovery mean that people often keep self-harm a secret. Unless medical treatment is required, self-harm is not usually reported. This makes it difficult to know how common it is. Some research has suggested that around six per cent of children who are 15 years of age have self-harmed at least once.

Self-harm is much more common among girls and teenagers. Research shows that the most common age group for self-harm is 15-19 year olds, although some children may start to self-harm as young as 11 years of age.

Self-harm can also be linked to other mental health conditions, such as depression. As depression can occur at any time, self-harm may affect people of all ages.

Outlook

The physical effects of self-harm can usually be treated with dressings or stitches. The emotional causes may need a psychological (mental health) assessment and counselling (talking therapy) to deal with the underlying issues.

Some people self-harm only once, while others do it on a regular basis and sometimes carry on doing it throughout their life. While self-harm is not usually an attempt at suicide, research has suggested that there is a relationship between self-harm and suicide.

If someone is self-harming, they should seek medical help or advice immediately. Those who self-harm have a higher risk of completing suicide, either deliberately or accidently.

There are a number of websites and telephone help lines that can provide support and advice for anyone who would like to talk about their self-harming.

Abdomen

Glossary

The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and the hips.

Genitals

Genitals are the sex, or reproductive organs, visible on the outside of the body. In females this is the vulva, labia, and clitoris. In males this is the penis, scrotum and testicles.

Vomit

Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.