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This is a short presentation which gives a definition of self-harm, then looks at why people self-harm including the self-harm cycle. It looks at who can be affected and what might trigger them then tells you some signs to look out for, how to respond if someone tells you about their self-harm and gives some ideas which are useful during recovery. This presentation can be used just for information or as part of a brief training session.
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Self-HarmWhat is it?
Why do people do it?How can you help?
Pooky Knightsmith@PookyH
AKA – self-injury, deliberate self-harm, self-poisoning
May include:• Cutting• Swallowing tablets / poisons• Burning
In younger children / SEN population you may see:• Hair pulling• Scratching• Head banging
Self-harm defined
Any behaviour where the intent is to deliberately hurt oneself
Negative Emotions
(sadness, anger, despair)
Tension(inability to cope with
emotions)
Self-Harm Act(e.g. cutting, burning)
Positive Effects(tension relieved
temporarily)
Negative Effects(Shame and guilt over
self-harm act)The Cycle of
Self-harm
Anyone can be affected
• Approximately 10% of secondary school aged students have self-harmed
• Hard to know true prevalence as it’s very secretive
• Girls considered more at risk – but may be due to definitions
• >25% of eating disorder patients also self-harm
Why?
“I was told exactly what to do all the time. I had no control over my life at all. Then I discovered cutting and realised I had complete control over my own body.”
CONTROL…
Why?
“I don’t like it when I hurt inside – in my heart and my brain – physical pain is a lot easier to deal with.”
COPE WITH EMOTIONS
Why?
“When I hurt myself it’s because I’m angry with myself - usually because I’ve said or done something stupid again.”
PUNISHMENT
Triggers
• Family relationship difficulties• Peer relationship break up / difficulties• Bullying• Trauma • SH behaviour in other students / the media• Difficult times of year e.g. anniversaries• Trouble in school or with the police• Exam pressure• Times of change (new school, parents split etc)
Behavioural Warning SignsIsolation from friends
Secretive behaviour
Can’t focus in class
Expressing feelings of failure
Talking about self-harm Responding positively
Occasional eye contactOpen body languageNod / affi rmati ve noisesDon’t take notes / check watchInvolve them in decisions
Before self-harm…
Write or draw about feelings
Contact a friend, family member, helpline
Go to a quiet place and scream / scream
silently
Hit a pillow / soft object Listen to music Look after an animal
Draw red lines on the skin Clench ice cubes
Snap elastic band on wrist
Make a list of things to do before self harm. Laminate it and carry it everywhere and work through the list when you have the urge to self-harm