Self-Harm
Centre for Wellbeing
Self-Harm
What constitutes Self-Harm?
Most of us act at some time in a way that is
harmful to our body, perhaps by excessive
drinking, smoking or using recreational drugs.
This leaflet is about the need to inflict injury on
oneself in a more deliberate way such as cutting,
burning, stabbing, scratching, hair pulling
and bruising. Such action is rarely an attempt
at suicide or an expression of madness. It is,
however, a sign that there are problems that
need addressing.
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What makes someone want to hurt
themselves?
The origins of self-harm often lie in a deep
feeling of being powerless, trapped, or without
choice. This may come from a single traumatic
experience such as being attacked or from a
history of painful experiences. And current
events can reinforce old feelings of distress,
particularly when life is very stressful, or a person
feels isolated, lacking support or understanding,
or is under constant criticism.
Resorting to self-harm is a way of both indicating
that difficulties exist and an attempt to cope with
these difficulties. And, whilst harming oneself is
not, in reality, a useful way of dealing with these
difficulties, it may serve some of the following
functions:
• Indicates to people that something is wrong
• Expresses feelings of pain
• Gives a sense of control
•Helps distract from the problem and brings a
sense of relief
•Helps manage unacceptable feelings such as
anger
• Punishes the self
• Protests against something
• Expresses shame and self-hatred
•Restores a capacity to feel – overcomes
numbness
• Gives a sense of cleansing
Self-Harm
If you are self-harming
Seeking Help
It is very important you care for your injuries
with basic first aid: keep cuts clean, wrapped,
cool and covered. If you are in any doubt, seek
medical help, perhaps from a nurse, your doctor
or from the Accident and Emergency Unit of your
nearest hospital.
You may want to consider talking to a friend of
relative about your feelings. Choose carefully
who to tell and be prepared for what may be a
shocked reaction. Ask for what you need – to be
listened to, treated normally, at times distracted
and generally offered support in specific ways.
The more you understand your need to injure
yourself, the more likely you are to be able to
make choices that involve looking after yourself.
Professional help can give you the chance to do
this. If you are harming or know someone else
who is self-harming, you/they can contact:
• A GP
• Nurse
•A counsellor at the centre for wellbeing.
We have experience in dealing with issues of
self-harm.
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Self-Harm
Further Information
There is a booklet called “Self-Help for SelfInjury” which helps people think about what
they are trying to cope with or express when they
self-harm and offers alternative ways to respond.
It is available from:
The Self-Injury Project
Bristol Crisis Centre for Women
PO Box 654, Bristol BS99 1XH.
Telephone 0117 925 1119
Centre for Wellbeing
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday Telephone: 01483 689498 (extension 9498)
E-mail: [email protected]
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