Self harm

Self-harm is when you set out to hurt yourself or damage your health deliberately. Sometimes this is done in secret.

If you ever feel like hurting yourself please remember... you are not alone!

There are many reasons why people self-harm including:

• being bullied.
• stress and worrying about school work.
• peer and friendship difficulties.
• a death in the family or a close friend.
• current or past experience of abuse.
• not getting on with parents.
• feeling alone

You are not alone. There are several people you can talk to a:

• Teacher
• Mentor
• School Nurse
• Family doctor

A parent, relative or a friend can also support you to get the help you need.

If you have worries that make you want to harm yourself, here are some things that might help you:

• talking to a friend or relative.
• watching TV.
• listening to music.
• drawing or reading.
• going for a walk.
• twang an elastic band on your wrist instead of hurting yourself.
• hold an ice cube in your hand

There are lots of other organisations who can help too.

Childline
Telephone: 0800 11 11
Web: www.childline.org

Young minds
Telephone: (0207) 336 8445
Web: www.youngminds.org.uk

Streetwise
Telephone: (0191) 230 5400
Web: www.streetwisenorth.org.uk

NSPCC
Telephone: 0800 1111
Web: www.nspcc.co.uk

Self-Injury Guidance & Network Support
Web: www.lifesigns.org.uk