#LiveYourBestLife

Self-Harm

Often done in response to extreme emotional turmoil, self-harm refers to the intentional damage or injury on a person’s own body. People who self-harm often report a desire to punish themselves or release overwhelming tension built up over a period of time.

It is common for people to self-harm in secret. You may do this because you feel as though your thoughts and feelings aren’t acceptable to other people. You might not want others to know, as you might be anxious about what they think.

Self-harm can be both distressing for you and your loved ones. This is because they may not be able to understand why you self-harm.

Being overwhelmed by feelings is a common reason that people self harm. Often these will be feelings such as sadness, guilt and hopelessness.

You may self-harm because you find it difficult to put your feelings into words. You may find your emotions physically uncomfortable. Or you may be aware of how you are feeling. But you may feel that your emotions are unmanageable or unacceptable.

Physical pain can distract you when you are in emotional pain. For a lot of people self-harm releases tension, brings relief and helps to relive pressure. Even if you don’t understand why you are feeling this way.

It is important to speak to someone if you are self-harming, your GP or a therapist is great place to start to talk about what is happening and get support.