Self-harm awareness day falls on the 1st of March each year. The three charities Self-Harm UK, The Mix and YoungMinds front the campaign. They aim to challenge the stigma around self-harm that stops young people from looking for help. For more information visit: https://youngminds.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/success-stories/self-harm-awareness-day/
Self-harm can range from neglecting to take care of yourself to physically injuring yourself. People who harm themselves often do so in an attempt to manage very difficult emotions, memories or situations. This can become a way to physically express the pain which they feel they can’t acknowledge or speak about. One in 12 young people in the UK have self-harmed and studies have shown that 75% of young people know someone who have self-harmed.
What to do if you are self-harming:
- Talk to your GP, a teacher or someone you trust
- Seek some counselling from a qualified professional
- Keep productive. Distracting yourself can be a useful tool
- Talk to people and try and be as open as you can
- Find a healthy outlet/hobby
What to do if someone tells you they are self-harming:
- Don’t panic
- Offer to listen
- Try not to feel overwhelmed or out of your depth
- Help them to find support
People who self-harm often need specialist support to help them address the issues. Trained professionals can also help discover how certain experiences and events have led to self-abusive behaviour. At The Eaves, our practitioners can work with you and help you to reduce and eventually stop destructive self-harming patterns.
The Eaves has many trained Counsellors, Psychologists and Psychotherapists in Guildford, Godalming and Farnham. Our professionals see individuals of all ages, families, couples and young people 12 hours a day, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 9pm. Please call 01483 917000. You can also send us an enquiry. Click here to find out more.
If you are struggling urgently, please use this helpline:
Samaritans:
- Number: 116 123
- Email: jo@samaritans.org