Why do people self-harm?
There are numerous reasons for self-harm, but it is ultimately a coping mechanism and provides a temporary release or relief for whatever emotional or psychological problem the person may be experiencing.

It is seen as a coping mechanism to deal with other problems, offering distraction, a chance to exert control over the body, and a way of releasing and expressing emotions.

Some feel self-harm is calming when they feel overwhelmed, helping them to focus, slow their emotions down and regain control of a situation. For others it is part of a ritual that helps them feel safe.

Many use it to help bury thoughts or feelings, flashbacks or nightmares, numbing the emotions. Others see it as a form of punishment to deal with feelings of shame and guilt.

Mental illnesses such as personality disorders, depression or substance abuse can trigger self-harm. Genetics does not play a part specifically in self-harm, but does in other mental illnesses, such as depression, which can then in turn trigger self-harming.

There may be long-term or short term psychological factors that lead to self-harm. Suffering abuse, whether it be in childhood or later relationships, can often cause suppressed emotions, and self-harm can be regarded as a release for these emotions. Short-term physiological issues can include a recent bereavement, a relationship breakdown, or social factors including unemployment and poverty.

The misuse of drugs and alcohol can also play a big part in causing someone to self-harm, altering their state of mind and judgement, and providing another form of release to help deal with their addiction.

Self-harm myths
There are two common misconceptions about self-harm. The first is that self-harm is a suicide attempt. This is not the case – in fact many people self-harm as an alternative to suicide. The second is that those who self-harm are seeking attention. Again, the opposite is true. Self-harmers often go out of their way to hide and cover-up their injuries.

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) takes place every year on 1st March. The day is designed to help raise awareness of the problem, highlight sources of help, and as an opportunity for those who do self-harm to come forward and seek help.

Symptoms of self-harm
Self-harm injuries are often inflicted on parts of the body that can easily be covered up, i.e. upper arms, legs, stomach, so family and friends are unaware of the problem. They may also go out of their way not to display any flesh that shows injuries, such as avoiding swimming and covering up on hot days.

When questioned, self-harmers may create elaborate excuses for their injuries, such as saying they were caused by an accident or a work injury. They may become guarded and secretive when confronted.

Often someone self-harming will also exhibit symptoms of depression as they struggle with their problems. This can include a general low mood, a loss of appetite, low self-esteem, and unwillingness to be social.

Getting help for self-harm
As with many mental illness, the person suffering from it needs to recognise that their behaviour is not healthy, and want to do something about it.

Self-harming is a cyclical pattern of behaviour. In order to stop someone self-harming the cycle needs to be broken. There are many methods to help someone who self-harms change the behavioural pattern themselves.

For those close to someone who is self-harming, it can be a very difficult idea to understand, and even harder to realise that the person will only change their behaviour when they are ready to. It is important to remember that the person self-harming is not doing so to punish, annoy or anger anyone else. It is a behavioural response to a particular emotion.

Confiding in someone is the first step on the road to recovery from self-harm. It doesn’t matter who the person is, but taking the first steps to breaking the self-harm cycle is far easier with someone onside.

How does counselling for self-harm work?
There are many methods that can be used to help and break the behavioural pattern of self-harming. These vary from distraction, channelling the emotions into another activity, identifying the triggers, joining self-help groups, and seeking professional help.

Seeking professional help means that a qualified professional may be able to suggest methods of preventing or dealing with self-harm that is most suited to the individual, and help them implement them.

The most common treatment for self-harm is counselling, where the individual can talk through their problems, and establish what is at the heart of their need to self-harm. It gives a non-judgemental, completely confidential atmosphere.

Prescribed medication, such as anti-depressants, may also be given by a GP to help regulate the emotions that cause the self-harm, particularly if it is linked to a wider state of depression.

There are different methods of distraction that can be used, depending on the kind of emotion that triggers the self-harming. For example, if a person is sad or unhappy, doing something soothing, such as reading a book or taking a bath can help. For those who want to feel pain, there are other methods that do not cause physical or lasting damage, but can provide the release, like squeezing ice, or biting hot chillies.

Many people find channelling their emotions into something creative can help, such as writing, playing music or exercising.

Relapses often occur during the recovery process, and can sometimes be triggered by an event or the anniversary of an event. Again, distraction techniques work well, and a counsellor can help set up a strategy of what to do in the event of a relapse.

Self-harm statistics
•The UK has one of the highest self-harm rates in Europe – 400 people per 100,000 populations.
•Self-harming is more common amongst those who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse during childhood.
•3 in 100 people who self-harm will do it again within a year if they don’t get help.
•Studies have shown groups of young people self-harm together.
•Gay and bisexual people are more likely to self-harm.
•3 in 100 people who self harm over a period of 15 years will commit suicide.
•10% of 15 to 16 year olds have self-harmed. Girls are more likely to than boys.
•Women aged 15-19 have the highest rate of self-harm.
•Self-harm is particularly prevalent in prisons.
•142,000 people present themselves at hospital with self-inflicted injuries every year.