Self-harm
Self-harm is when someone intentionally causes injury or damage to their own body.
There are many different reasons why someone may self-harm, such as a way of expressing or coping with emotional distress, a means for punishing themselves, trying to feel in control or to relieve unbearable tension. The causes of emotional distress, which can build up over time will not be the same for everyone.
For more information about self-harm visit the Mind website.
Top Tips if your child is self-harming.
- Try to understand the problem that’s causing the self-harm e.g. feeling low, out of control, or being bullied.
- Be available to talk, and if they feel like talking, try to listen openly.
- Support your child to find healthy ways to cope e.g. talking to friends and family, exercising, watching their favourite funny film or having a bath or shower.
Herefordshire Samaritans offer a telephone and drop in service, if you’re struggling and need help. 116 123 / 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply)
Marches Counselling Service offer affordable, professional counselling and psychotherapy services, both in person and remotely, for adults aged 18 and over, who want to talk about their self-harming and find alternatives. 01432 279906 marches.counselling@gmail.com
Strong Young Minds support young people aged 10 to 26 years old to address any issues which affect their mental health and wellbeing, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and cyberbullying. 01432 269245 symproject@thecldtrust.org
The CLD Trust provide counselling for young people aged 10 to 20 years old. They can help with whatever is worrying you, whether it’s self-harm, depression, anxiety, anger, family or relationship problems, eating difficulties, substance misuse or bullying. 01432 269245 info@thecldtrust.org
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) help men who are thinking about suicide and provide a telephone helpline and webchat service, 365 days a year from 5pm to 12am. 0800 58 58 58
Childline support those under the age of 19, with any issue they may be going through, including self-harm, and offer a range of coping techniques and tips for boosting confidence and self-esteem. 0800 11 11
Harmless provide a range of services related to self-harm and suicide prevention, including support, information, training and consultancy for those who self-harm or are at risk of suicide, along with their family and friends.
Mind offer a range of information, advice and support services to help those experiencing mental health problems. 0300 123 3393 info@mind.org.uk
The National Self Harm Network is an online support forum, which helps individuals who are self-harming to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life.
The NHS provide information and advice on self-harming, including tips to try and avoid it, how to tell someone you self-harm and assessment and treatments.
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you’re struggling and need help.116 123 jo@samaritans.org
Self Injury Support offer support services for girls and women affected by self-harming, trauma and abuse.
Side by Side is an online support community run by Mind, which offers a safe place for you to listen, share and be heard.
Staying Safe offer detailed information and advice for making a safety plan, for those having suicidal thoughts.
Young Minds support young people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and also offer a parents’ helpline. Call 0808 802 5544 or Text YM to 85258