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Recognising self harm

How to spot the symptoms and help someone who self harms.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

First and most important. Self-harm is NOT attention seeking, the injuries are often hidden from other people and the person probably feels guilty or ashamed.

If you think someone you know is self harming, talk to them without prejudice or accusation.

Spotting the symptoms:

  • Continuing cuts, scratches or bruises that never seem to heal properly.
     
  • A friend with unexplained scars or cuts on top of scars.
     
  • A friend who has started to stay apart from others and seems down or angry a lot of the time.
     
  • A friend who wears long sleeves and or covers their legs even in warm weather.
     
  • People who self harm might have other problems such as an eating disorder, drug or alcohol abuse.

How can I help someone who self harms?

  • Learn as much about self-harm as possible, from sites like this or talking to an organisation like the Samaritans. Don’t ignore the problem.
     
  • Try to get your friend to talk about the problems or feelings that make them self-harm. Don’t get angry with them if they aren’t ready to talk.
     
  • Support your friend without judging them. Let them know that they can talk to you when they feel the need to self-harm.
     
  • Encourage them to look for help from a support organisation, doctor or counsellor. Doctors in your area will be listed in the Golden Pages: www.goldenpages.ie. You can ask your doctor to refer you to a counsellor, or contact the Irish Association for Counselling and Therapy. If you are at university or college there is often a free counselling service provided. See www.pleasetalk.ie for information on student support services at all the universities in the Republic of Ireland. Support services:
    Pieta House- Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide
    Web: www.pieta.ie
    Email: mary@pieta.ie
    Pieta House offers a specialised treatment programme for people who have suicidal ideation or who participate in self-harming behaviours. In particular, this centre targets people who have already attempted to take their lives. This service is free of charge.


    Samaritans PHONE: 1850 609090
    (Northern Ireland PHONE: 08457 909090)
    Email: jo@samaritans.org 
    Web: www.samaritans.org
    Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.


    ChildLine FREEPHONE: 1800 66 66 66
    Talk to ChildLine online.
    Web: www.childline.ie 
    Childline is a 24-hour a day service for young people up to 18. Childline offer support to young people through their listening service over the phone and through the website. You can call Childline for a chat or to talk about any problems you might have.

    Click here for other organisations that can help.

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