Self-harm and suicide

Self-harm

Self-harm is when you deliberately injure or damage your body, usually to help you cope with or express difficult thoughts and feelings. It can offer some temporary relief from emotional pain, but it does not solve the underlying problem causing this pain.

Self-harm behaviours include:

self-cutting
burning
overdosing on medication or recreational drugs
hitting or bruising

The reasons why you might self-harm can vary and may differ every time you do it. Self-harm does not necessarily mean you want to die, but there is a high risk of accidental death.

Reasons why you might self-harm include:

managing emotional upset
regaining control over feelings or problems
peer pressure – wanting to identify with a particular group of people
wanting to find ways to escape a difficult situation
reducing tension

When you self-harm, it is very common for you to experience shame, guilt and fear of judgement which can make it difficult to talk to someone about the problem; however, talking with someone is an important step towards breaking the cycle and starting the journey to recovery.

Some signs of self-harming:

Unexplained cuts, bruises, burns or marks.
Keeping your body covered with long sleeves/trousers, even in hot weather.
Risk-taking behaviour, for example unprotected sex or drugs misuse.
Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope.
Blood stains on bedding, tissues, clothing.
Changes in your eating habits, for example eating more than usual or under-eating which causes weight loss or gain.
Expressing low self-worth, for example self-blaming, feelings of self-disgust or expressing a desire to self-punish.
Becoming withdrawn and isolated.

If you self-harm, it is important to manage this safely to protect yourself against risk of serious injury or infection. Here you can find a list of distraction techniques to try as an alternative to self-harm.

People you can contact

The Mix: free and confidential service for people under 25 years. You can call, email, chat online and text.

Young Minds crisis messenger service: this service provides free 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258. Crisis will listen to you, help you think through how you’re feeling, and aim to help you take the next steps towards feeling better.

National Self-Harm Network: It is important to know how you can quickly help yourself if you become seriously hurt. You can find step-by-step first aid guidance here from the National Self-Harm Network.

Resources

Young Minds - a guide for young people who self-harm

NHS approved apps

Calm Harm: designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. It's private and password protected.

Distract: this app offers easy, quick and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Self-harm guide for parents

Guide for professionals

Suicidal thoughts

If you are feeling distressed with difficult thoughts, or you are thinking about taking your own life, it is very important you ask someone for help.

Sometimes you may think that these difficult feelings will never go away, or you cannot find help to get through them; however, you are not alone and there is help available to manage your feelings.

Suicidal thoughts are more common than you think; many people feel overwhelmed by painful emotions that make it hard to find a solution. With the right support and treatment, these negative thoughts can pass.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, signs might include:

talking about death and wanting to die
withdrawing from friends, family, activities and commitments
risk-taking behaviour, for example unprotected sex or drugs misuse
feeling like a burden to others
hopelessness about the future, giving up or showing no interest in previous goals or ambitions
poor sleep and changes to diet
paying less attention to self-care and hygiene

If you are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to remember that these difficult feelings are not permanent and things can get better. We recommend trying the following:

Talking to someone: this could be a family member, teacher or you might find it easier speaking to someone that you don’t know. The list of services below are available every day for you to contact for support.
Setting yourself goals: this can be something new you want to do in the future or something relaxing, like watching something you enjoy on TV.
Make a self-soothe box: create a box of things to help you feel calm and safe in the moment. These could be items that stimulate your senses, like something with a comforting smell.

People you can contact

Samaritans: 116 123 – freephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Freephone Childline: 0800 1111 – freephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Suicide prevention charity, Papyrus Hopeline: 0800 068 4141 - (9am-12am, 7 days a week).

Crisis messenger service: this service provides free 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258. Crisis will listen to you, help you think through how you’re feeling, and aim to help you take the next steps towards feeling better.

The Mix: free and confidential service for under 25s. You can call, email, chat online and text.

Resources

Young Minds on suicidal thoughts

NHS approved apps

Distract: this app offers easy, quick and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts guide for parents

Guide for professionals

If you think you, your child or young person you care for might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or is self-harming, there are useful self-help resources above with advice and support.

CAMHS supports people who self-harm, have suicidal thoughts, or have other mental health difficulties. Visit our conditions page for further information about the support you might need.

If you self-harm or have suicidal thoughts, you may experience difficulties that others without these thoughts may struggle with, like anxiety or low mood. There are lots of services to support you with your mental health and wellbeing. 

Page last updated: 24 March 2022