Self Harm Support

There are many reasons why people self-harm. It is usually a symptom that something stressful or upsetting is going on in your life that is difficult to deal with. Learning different ways to cope with these feelings can help in reducing the urge to self harm

Click on the icons below for lots of ideas on how to get support

There are various distraction techniques recommended, to help reduce the urge to self harm. Are there any listed below that might help you?

Write about how you are feeling

Listen to music - have an upbeat playlist at the ready

Tear up newspapers

Punch pillows or cushions

Pop bubble-wrap

Go for a run or brisk walk, run up and down stairs, do star jumps or any form of exercise

Curl up with a blanket and a hot drink

Talk to a friend - have a list of people you can ring

Mark yourself wih a red pen instead of cutting 

Flick elastic bands against your wrists

Hold ice against your skin or brush yourself with a toothbrush

Take a cold shower

Bite into something which is strongly flavoured eg. lemon, strong mints

Use play dough to occupy your hands

Have a relaxing bath, treat yourself

Do deep and slow breathing

Try and come up with a plan of action that would help distract you and keep you safe, then write it down somewhere that's easily accessible, so that you've got it to hand if you need it