Opening Doors to Young People who Self Harm Cathy Bell MA, MBACP Regional Co-ordinator, ICSS, Chair BACP CYP

Self Harm? Self Harm describes a wide range of things that people do to themselves in a deliberate and usually hidden way Secretive behaviour which can go for a long time without being discovered  1 in 15 young people in the UK self harm (Mental Health Foundation, 2006)  1 in 10 (2014)

What does it look like?

Fact or Myth?  You’re mad or bad if you do this  If you self harm you want to kill yourself  Christians don’t self harm  Females self harm more than males  Children in Care more likely to self harm  It is a selfish behaviour

Who? YOU, ME, ANY CLASS, COLOUR CREED

Why?

Wide range of factors Often multiple triggers Often daily stress rather than significant changes or events

More Specifically... Feeling Isolated School Pressures Someone close self harming Low self Esteem Poor Body Image Stuff

Physical Release It gets out all the hurt, anger and pain I don’t know how to release my feelings in any other way I felt dead inside, self harming brought me back to life Made me feel something, alive again

Fact Young People find it hard to talk about it and are often afraid what the reaction will be.

Reactions Stop it Believe in God Grow up Stop looking for attention You’re psycho. Pray more

At school my self harm was treated very badly. It was treated as a piece of gossip throughout the staff and the head teacher asked me to leave as a result saying I was a lovely person but he couldn’t have me in his school “ ”

Immediate Response The reaction a young person receives when they disclose their self harm can have an influence on whether they seek help through accessing appropriate services. It is hard to listen to a young person telling their story of self harm.

Alternatives to self harming behaviour Elastic band, flicking on the wrist The five minute rule... Holding an ice cube Writing down my thoughts Hitting a pillow or punchbag to vent anchor Red water soluble pen to mark

What is recovery Reduction of self harm as underlying issues are tackled Using distraction techniques Minimising the damage self harm inflicts Completely stopping Learning new coping strategies for dealing with difficult emotions or circumstances

Ministers,Youth Leaders Pastoral Workers Part of the jigsaw puzzle.

Help! What can I do? Has behaviour changed? What is the word on the street? Know your young people

Is there any hope? Practically care Keep safe Remember Jesus

Is there any hope? Remember Jesus

Is there any hope? Practically care Keep safe Remember Jesus

Resources

Resources Lifeline: Childline: Fox C and Hawton K, (2004) Deliberate self harm in adolescents - Jessica Kingsley.

Resources The Listening Space Christian support online – Christian self-harm helpline – – (option 3)

Is there any hope? Remember Jesus