Self-HarmWhat is it?

Why do people do it?How can you help?

Pooky Knightsmith@PookyH

AKA – self-injury, deliberate self-harm, self-poisoning

May include:• Cutting• Swallowing tablets / poisons• Burning

In younger children / SEN population you may see:• Hair pulling• Scratching• Head banging

Self-harm defined

Any behaviour where the intent is to deliberately hurt oneself

Negative Emotions

(sadness, anger, despair)

Tension(inability to cope with

emotions)

Self-Harm Act(e.g. cutting, burning)

Positive Effects(tension relieved

temporarily)

Negative Effects(Shame and guilt over

self-harm act)The Cycle of

Self-harm

Anyone can be affected

• Approximately 10% of secondary school aged students have self-harmed

• Hard to know true prevalence as it’s very secretive

• Girls considered more at risk – but may be due to definitions

• >25% of eating disorder patients also self-harm

Why?

“I was told exactly what to do all the time. I had no control over my life at all. Then I discovered cutting and realised I had complete control over my own body.”

CONTROL…

Why?

“I don’t like it when I hurt inside – in my heart and my brain – physical pain is a lot easier to deal with.”

COPE WITH EMOTIONS

Why?

“When I hurt myself it’s because I’m angry with myself - usually because I’ve said or done something stupid again.”

PUNISHMENT

Triggers

• Family relationship difficulties• Peer relationship break up / difficulties• Bullying• Trauma • SH behaviour in other students / the media• Difficult times of year e.g. anniversaries• Trouble in school or with the police• Exam pressure• Times of change (new school, parents split etc)

Behavioural Warning SignsIsolation from friends

Secretive behaviour

Can’t focus in class

Expressing feelings of failure

Talking about self-harm Responding positively

Occasional eye contactOpen body languageNod / affi rmati ve noisesDon’t take notes / check watchInvolve them in decisions

Before self-harm…

Write or draw about feelings

Contact a friend, family member, helpline

Go to a quiet place and scream / scream

silently

Hit a pillow / soft object Listen to music Look after an animal

Draw red lines on the skin Clench ice cubes

Snap elastic band on wrist

Make a list of things to do before self harm. Laminate it and carry it everywhere and work through the list when you have the urge to self-harm