1. Information about self harm The facts, warning signs, and how to help. By Amanda Johnson Period 2

2. Why do people self harm? People usually self harm for many different reasons. Family issues. Getting bullied in school. Dealing with a break-up. Depression. And many other different reasons. Self harm is a bad way to deal with temporary stress. It is not a good solution to your problems.

3. Is self-harming addictive? When we get hurt, our bodies release endorphins to handle the physical pain. The physical pain takes their mind off of all the emotional stress they are experiencing. It can make you feel "zoned out" or numb. It is possible to become addicted to self harm.

4. The other forms of self harm The most common form of self harm is cutting, but self harm covers a wide range of behaviors, including: burning scratching banging or hitting body parts inferring with wound healing. Hair pulling Ingestion of toxic substances or objects

5. Do only adolesents self harm? Teens can get "addicted" to self harming and it may follow them into their adulthood. However some teenagers will stop self harming, but when they turn into adults they may start again because they are under unfamiliar stresses.

6. How can you tell if a friend is self- harming? There can be many signs that show your friend is self harming. Here are some of the signs you should watch out for: Withdrawing from usual activities they enjoy. Wearing long sleeves in hot weather. Having unexplainable scars and bruises. A sudden fascination with fire or sharp objects. If you think one of your friends is self harming, you should ask them first. If they are, tell an adult even if you promise you won't. Self harm leads to suicide.

7. You shouldn't judge people who are depressed or people who self harm, you have no idea of what they could be going through.

8. Where to go for help If you or a friend is self harming, you should call the S.A.F.E. Alternatives information line at (800) 366-8288 for referrals and support for cutting and self-harm. Tell a trusted adult Every 40 seconds, someone cuts themselves. It is important to help the people you care about, including yourself.

9. Bibliography http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=6&hid=108&sid=9bfde0ac- 4955-4f06-bfed- 577c9861a708%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z Q%3d%3d#db=mih&AN=63501052http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=6&hid=108&sid=9bfde0ac- 4955-4f06-bfed- 577c9861a708%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z Q%3d%3d#db=mih&AN=63501052 http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=8&hid=108&sid=9bfde0ac- 4955-4f06-bfed- 577c9861a708%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z Q%3d%3d#db=mih&AN=26754656 http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=10&hid=108&sid=9bfde0ac- 4955-4f06-bfed- 577c9861a708%40sessionmgr115&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2Z Q%3d%3d#db=mih&AN=45463469 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_harm