Self harm

Self-harm is more common a problem than you realise. From time to time depressed feelings inside you can build up and give you a lot of stress and worries. Sometimes you bottle things up so much that the pressure builds up and it is usually at this point that people harm themselves. Many people hurt themselves secretly for a long time before finding the courage to tell people.

Problems that can trigger self-harm include:
• worrying about schoolwork or exams
• parents or carers getting divorced
• bullying
• the death of someone close.

However it can be set off by anything that continues to worry you.

If you are self-harming, find someone you can talk to. If you think someone might be self-harming try to get them to talk to you and encourage them to seek medical help.

Your Connexions personal adviser is a good person to contact. They can listen and put you in touch with a local organisation that can help.

Childline – 24 hour help for young people with any problem including those in trouble or in danger.
www.childline.org.uk
T: 0800 1111

The Site – self harm: recovery, advice and support.
www.selfharm.org.uk