Self harm and suicide

Self-harm is any behaviour which intentionally causes pain or injury to the individual. This can be cutting, burning, hair-pulling, hitting, biting or scratching oneself, eating or drinking toxic items, over or under eating, abusing alcohol, drugs or medicines and can be one-off or repeated behaviours. Self-harm can be very distressing for the person who self-harms and their families. It is important to educate yourself about the reasons people self-harm and how it can be managed. A person who self-harms does not necessarily want to die, but they are struggling to manage without it. Many young teens talk about it feeling wrong and feeling ashamed of doing it. However, lack sufficient alternatives. FIt is important to understand why they self-harm and what it provides. Do not just expect someone to stop, as this can lead them to hide what they are doing instead. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to support the person to manage this safely. Please reach out to a professional for support and read the information provided in the links.

Suicide is a word which prompts strong emotions in many people. 

Many young people think about suicide; It does not mean they want to die! It is important to differentiate between if the person wants to die or if they do not want to keep living the way things are. Despite people feeling uncomfortable about talking about suicide, if you know someone who you are concerned maybe thinking about suicide, it is very important for someone to talk to them about it.  So if you feel uncomfortable talking to them about it, then find someone who can do it or refer them to a mental health service.