Self-harm

Support Available for Young People & Families

Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences. Some people have described self-harm as a way to:

  • express something that is hard to put into words
  • turn invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible
  • change emotional pain into physical pain
  • reduce overwhelming emotional feelings or thoughts
  • have a sense of being in control
  • escape traumatic memories
  • have something in life that they can rely on
  • punish themselves for their feelings and experiences
  • stop feeling numb, disconnected or dissociated
  • create a reason to physically care for themselves
  • express suicidal feelings and thoughts without taking their own life.

After self-harming you may feel a short-term sense of release, but the cause of your distress is unlikely to have gone away. Self-harm can also bring up very difficult emotions and could make you feel worse. Even though there are always reasons underneath someone hurting themselves, it is important to know that self-harm does carry risks. Once you have started to depend on self-harm, it can take a long time to stop.

If you are able to, talk to a trusted adult about self-harm in order for them to help you get the support you need.

The below links may also be helpful:

Parent/ Carer Support-

We are here to offer support so please don’t hesitate to call the school or email your child’s PSL if you would like to discuss anything.

The below links may also be helpful for you when having difficult conversations or supporting your child who is self-harming:

As ever, if you would like to share any information with us or have a chat please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pupil Support Leader (PSL). Please note, we are not a medical service and cannot diagnose or provide emergency support. We can talk with you and your child to ensure you are able to access appropriate support.