Global Therapy

It is common for people to self-harm in secret. You may do this because you feel as though your thoughts and feelings aren’t acceptable to other people. You might feel anxious about what they think.

Self-harm can be both distressing for you and your loved ones. This is because they may not be able to understand why you self-harm.

Physical pain might distract you when you are in emotional pain. For some people self-harm releases tension, brings relief and helps to relieve pressure. Even if you don’t understand why you are feeling that way.

Self-harm usually starts because a young person has a build-up of difficult or distressing feelings that they want to manage. The relief that comes from self-harm is temporary and is quickly followed by guilt and shame. This becomes a cycle which can feel difficult to get out of.

It’s important to remember that most people who hurt themselves don’t want to die. It’s often a way for them to cope with overwhelming and distressing thoughts or feelings. Nevertheless, it’s important to take self-harm seriously.

If you have experienced one or more of these things and you are finding it difficult to cope, know that there are many alternatives to self-harm. Talking to someone you trust or a healthcare professional can help you find other ways to cope.