Self Harm
TRIGGER WARNING - this page contains information about self harm that could be triggering
Although anybody can feel the need to self harm, it is something that affects a large number of LGBT people. Don't be put off by the information on this page if you don't identify yourself as LGBT, because the information is exactly the same for everybody!
What is self harming?
The term "self harm" is broad. People may harm themselves in a number of different ways. Self harming can mean cutting yourself, scratching yourself, pulling out your hair, burning yourself or putting things inside your body. It can be very different from person to person, so every case of self harming is unique.
Does that mean people who self harm are suicidal?
No. Self harming is a way of coping with something very distressing or upsetting that is affecting that person. For example if they have been through a traumatic childhood, they may self harm as a way of dealing with their feelings. Self harm isn't a way of killing yourself, far from it.
Is it attention seeking?
Sometimes people think that self harming is a way of getting attention from those close to that person. This isn't the case. Self harming occurs because something within that person has triggered them to find a way of dealing with their negative emotions by self harming; a sort of coping mechanism.
What happens if I'm self harming?
First of all if you are self harming then you need to remember that what you are doing isn't something to be ashamed about. There are a number of things that you can do to both help yourself whilst you are self harming and then ways of replacing the harming with something else. If you're self harming at the moment then it is important that you think about hygiene. This may sound stupid, but it is important that whatever way you self harm that it is clean and that you don't develop health problems from it. This is especially true if you cut or burn yourself (or anything that involves breaking your skin.) This is because once you break the skin you could possibly get infections developing in the cuts or wounds. You can do this by using antiseptics and dressings, which could be found in a standard first aid kit (maybe something you might have at home or something you could buy from a pharmacy or local shop?) Ensuring that your wounds are cleaned will make sure that they heal up properly and that they don't get infected. Also if you're cutting, then make sure that the blade or implement is clean and that you don't share it with others. This is because blood viruses like HIV spread by blood to blood contact. Knowing what to do if something goes wrong is also important. If your life or somebody else's life is in danger then call 999 in an emergency.
Trying to stop harming can be difficult for some. You've found a way of releasing or coping with some difficult emotions over a period of time and now you need to find an alternative way of coping. Some people may find a way of channelling that energy into something new, for example a sport, taking up a new hobby or drawing. It is best to do something physical rather than something that is more passive, like listening to music. Picking up a pen and drawing or writing down your feelings in a diary can really help you channel those negative thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, you can talk to somebody about how you are feeling. There are agencies and people in your community who can help. Or maybe you have a family member or close friend you can confide in.
Counselling is sometimes a very positive thing to do when dealing with self harm. You can access these serves by speaking to your GP or local NHS services. Try looking on the links page for other possibilities.
Although anybody can feel the need to self harm, it is something that affects a large number of LGBT people. Don't be put off by the information on this page if you don't identify yourself as LGBT, because the information is exactly the same for everybody!
What is self harming?
The term "self harm" is broad. People may harm themselves in a number of different ways. Self harming can mean cutting yourself, scratching yourself, pulling out your hair, burning yourself or putting things inside your body. It can be very different from person to person, so every case of self harming is unique.
Does that mean people who self harm are suicidal?
No. Self harming is a way of coping with something very distressing or upsetting that is affecting that person. For example if they have been through a traumatic childhood, they may self harm as a way of dealing with their feelings. Self harm isn't a way of killing yourself, far from it.
Is it attention seeking?
Sometimes people think that self harming is a way of getting attention from those close to that person. This isn't the case. Self harming occurs because something within that person has triggered them to find a way of dealing with their negative emotions by self harming; a sort of coping mechanism.
What happens if I'm self harming?
First of all if you are self harming then you need to remember that what you are doing isn't something to be ashamed about. There are a number of things that you can do to both help yourself whilst you are self harming and then ways of replacing the harming with something else. If you're self harming at the moment then it is important that you think about hygiene. This may sound stupid, but it is important that whatever way you self harm that it is clean and that you don't develop health problems from it. This is especially true if you cut or burn yourself (or anything that involves breaking your skin.) This is because once you break the skin you could possibly get infections developing in the cuts or wounds. You can do this by using antiseptics and dressings, which could be found in a standard first aid kit (maybe something you might have at home or something you could buy from a pharmacy or local shop?) Ensuring that your wounds are cleaned will make sure that they heal up properly and that they don't get infected. Also if you're cutting, then make sure that the blade or implement is clean and that you don't share it with others. This is because blood viruses like HIV spread by blood to blood contact. Knowing what to do if something goes wrong is also important. If your life or somebody else's life is in danger then call 999 in an emergency.
Trying to stop harming can be difficult for some. You've found a way of releasing or coping with some difficult emotions over a period of time and now you need to find an alternative way of coping. Some people may find a way of channelling that energy into something new, for example a sport, taking up a new hobby or drawing. It is best to do something physical rather than something that is more passive, like listening to music. Picking up a pen and drawing or writing down your feelings in a diary can really help you channel those negative thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, you can talk to somebody about how you are feeling. There are agencies and people in your community who can help. Or maybe you have a family member or close friend you can confide in.
Counselling is sometimes a very positive thing to do when dealing with self harm. You can access these serves by speaking to your GP or local NHS services. Try looking on the links page for other possibilities.