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What is self-harm and why do people do it? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: What is self-harm and why do people do it?
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Self-harm is defined as an act of intentionally damaging or injuring your body.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: There are several reasons why people choose to self-harm, some of which are expressing a feeling which is hard to put into words, which is usually a very difficult feeling.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: Turning invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible, a reminder.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: Trying to feel in control a way of punishing themselves, relieving unbearable emotional distress, a cry for help, although caution with saying this because often this is the assumed reason, which is not helpful in many cases to the person, a response to intrusive thoughts, so a distraction from maybe traumatic memories or thoughts, and to express suicidal feelings without taking their own life.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: It's important to know that not everybody who self-harms wishes to end their life.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: To many, self-harming is a coping strategy, especially when dealing with emotional distress.
• 1:19
  SPEAKER_00: Guilt and shame tend to be two prominent emotions associated with self-harm.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: So people self-harm in different ways.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: And just to give you warning that the following sentence does include what can be quite a sensitive thing, so just be careful when listening.
• 1:38
  SPEAKER_00: So the different ways of cutting, pulling hair, skin picking, self-medicating, controlling eating, so not eating at all or overeating, neglecting themselves or reckless behaviour, such as getting into a physical fight, over exercising to the point of exhaustion are some of the ways.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: There are many more.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: Here's a list as well which can contribute to self harming behavior.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: So these are situations or feelings.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: Number one, stress.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: Number two, an illness or health problem.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: Number three, pressures at work or if you're a student.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: four homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: Five living with a neurodiverse condition.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: six living with mental health problems such as bipolar depression and anxiety.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: Seven low self esteem eight abuse nine money worries or worries over financial security or ten after loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship or job.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: The frequency and severity of self harming will indicate the level of distress that is being experienced.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: I do look at self-harm as a symptom, and treating the cause is important for long-term reduction in frequency and severity.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes it can be more harmful to try and eliminate self-harm in one go.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: So finding support and strategies so you can release and vocalise what you are feeling would be my first recommendation, whether that be via a GP or counsellor.
• 3:28
  SPEAKER_00: Do consider talking to NHS 111, option two for mental health.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_00: There are some good resources also at www.mind.org.uk giving you more information.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: Please take care and call emergency services on 999 if you yourself or anybody you know is in immediate danger because of a self harming act.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_00: Please take care.
• 3:55
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.