1. Self-Harm

2. What is self harm? “The phrase ‘self-harm’ is used to describe a wide range of behaviours. Self-harm is often understood to be a physical response to an emotional pain of some kind, and can be very addictive. Some of the things people do are quite well known, such as cutting, burning or pinching, but there are many, many ways to hurt yourself, including abusing drugs and alcohol or having an eating disorder. Sometimes, it’s more important to focus on how someone is feeling rather than what they do to themselves. Quite often, people find that more helpful.” According to the NHS “The NHS figures show the number of hospital admissions rose from 22,978 in 2012-13 to 28,730 in the following year.”

3. Reasons why people self harm Mental health issues. Mentally scarred. Addiction. Abuse. Low self esteem. Relief (way out). Coping mechanisms. Control.

4. Help and Advice Camhs (child adolesent mental health services). Doctors/mental health workers Councillor. Therapist. Family member.

5. Social factors Bullied. Family problems. Mental health issuers. Disorders. Relationships. Sexual orientation. Gender identity.

6. Types of self harm Cutting Burning Punching Starving Carving Poisoning Misuse of drugs and alcohol.

7. Trauma Abuse (sexual, physical and verbal) A loss in family/friends Family issues

8. By Andrew Middleton and Chelsey Montgomery