If you or someone you care for self-harms then this section of the website hopes to help you understand why it is that you, or they, do so.  It will also give you advice on how to stop self-harming, and where it is you can turn to for support.

Why People Self Harm:

• They feel that by hurting themselves they are able to release the horrible feelings that are inside them
• Physical pain distracts them from the emotional pain
• Some people feel like they hate themselves and so hurting themselves is like a punishment that makes them feel less guilty
• Self harm makes them feel in control of something
• Some people hope that it will make them look unattractive so that it will keep other people away from them.
• It can make you feel real and alive when at other times you feel numb, dead or unreal.

It can be really difficult to stop doing something that makes you feel better about yourself, something which helps you cope with your feelings.  Here are some alternatives to self harm:

• Hit a punch bag to vent your frustration
• Hitting pillows or cusions
• Having a good scream
• Going outdoors for a walk
• Any kind of exercise
• Write all your bad feelings down on a piece of paper then rip them up!
• Keep a diary of all your thoughts and feelings
• Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling instead of keeping things locked up inside.
• Use a pen to draw on the areas that you would normally self harm
• Hold an ice cube against your skin instead of cutting

 Useful Websites: