There are a number of reasons why you may self-harm. It may be a
way of telling other people about your distress and asking for
help, a way of coping with stress or emotional pain, or a symptom
of a mental illness like depression. Sometimes it suggests that you
are thinking about suicide. Not everyone who self-harms is
suicidal, but sometimes people die as a result of their self-harm
behaviour.
What types of behaviour suggest self-harm?
Many different types of behaviour can be considered
self-harming, including:
- Cutting part of the body, commonly the arms, wrists, or
thighs
- Taking overdoses of prescribed or illegal drugs or other
substances that cause harm
- Using cigarettes or lighters to burn the skin
Other 'risk taking' behaviour can lead to harm, such as train
surfing, driving cars at high speed, illegal drug use, or
deliberately unsafe sex.
What causes self-harm?
People who self-harm are usually trying to relieve, control or
express their distressing feelings. Young people self-harm for
different reasons, and sometimes it can be difficult to put the
reasons into words. You may not know any other way of telling
people about your emotional pain, or you might feel a sense of
control over your pain when you self-harm.
Some people are more likely to self-harm than others, including
those who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse,
have had a stressful and highly critical family environment, or
have a mental illness such as depression.
What can you do if you self-harm?
First, try to talk to someone about it. Telling a trusted adult
can help keep you safe and get medical assistance if you need it.
If you repeatedly self-harm, counselling can help you feel better
and find other ways of coping.
If you are thinking about suicide, then see a health
professional, call your local hospital, or call a phone counselling
service (such as Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Lifeline on 13
11 14).
Counselling aims to provide other ways to deal with your
problems, including better communication and coping skills.
Sometimes this can take time, so it's best to keep attending
counselling even if you find it hard the first few times. It might
be hard to accept counselling if you feel guilty, angry, or
ashamed, but try to be open to the support that people want to
provide.
How can I help a young person who self-harms?
Some young people stop self-harming on their own, without any
help, while others need support to find new ways of coping.
The best way to help someone is to provide support and encourage
them to ask for professional help. Try to make them feel safe
enough to discuss their feelings. Remain calm and maintain an open
attitude, while recognising the young person might feel ashamed of
their actions and worry about your judgements.
Check whether the person is thinking about suicide, and call
your local hospital or mental health service if you think they are.
Call an ambulance (phone 000) or take the person to the emergency
department of the local hospital if they need urgent medical
attention.
Supporting someone who self-harms can be a stressful experience,
so think about getting support for yourself as well.
For more information about how to get help see the getting help
section of the website.
This information was produced in conjunction with ORYGEN Youth
Health.