Self Harm

Self-harm or self-injury is when someone does something to damage their own body. Mostly this happens a few times and the person stops. For some people self-harm can go on for longer. 

Self-harming behaviour can be difficult to stop, but there is lots of help available.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is any act that causes injury to the person.

Self-harm is not suicide, but some self-harming can be very serious.  

Crucial: Your School or College Health Nurse can help with all kinds of health problems, including self harm. You can still get help out of termtime.

If you need to talk to a helpline, all these can help:

• Papyrus 0300 102 2470, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org 
• Childline 0800 1111
• CALM 0800 58 58 58 

You can find out more on the Suicide and Depression pages.

Harmless is an organisation which supports people who self harm and their friends and family with practical, helpful information, whether you are worried about yourself or someone else.

Instant Expert: Parents can also get support to help them look after a young person or child.  Coping with Self Harm: A guide for Parents and Carers.  

Where to get help

If you're worried about self-harm, help is available.

A good first step is to talk to your School Health Nurse. You can also get help from your GP, teacher, social worker or any other workers or volunteers. 

You can also get self-help information around self-harm from the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) website. 

Instant expert: Read about self-harm coping techniques, ways to help yourself not self-harm and more from Childline.