Self-harm
Self-harm can take many forms, including cutting, burning, hitting, bruising or interfering with wound healing. It is much more common than you might think – especially among adolescents and young people.
Why do people harm themselves?
The underlying reasons why a person might self-harm are often complex and may be difficult to understand. It usually stems from the difficulties that people are experiencing within themselves. Different people self-harm for different reasons at different times.
There are some common misconceptions concerning self-harm; these need to be dispelled.
- Self-harm is not attention-seeking behaviour; in fact, most people try to hide their injuries.
- Self-harm is not a failed attempt at suicide; on the contrary – many people who self-harm see it as a way of staying alive.
- Self-harm is not manipulative behaviour: many people who self-harm are often unaware of the effect that their self-harming has on others.
Penumbra resources
Penumbra is one of Scotland's leading mental health organisations. It provides a range of support services for adults and young people, including several resources to help deal with self-harm:
- No Harm in Listening – action research report (tel: 0131 475 2414)
- a leaflet on self-harm – downloadable from the Penumbra website
- awareness-raising training on the subject of self-harm – contact Kathleen Peter on 0131 475 2414 or by e-mail kathleen.peter@penumbra.org.uk.
For further information on Penumbra's services and resources, visit the Penumbra website.
