factsheet-people-who-si-v2

LifeSIGNS self-injury fact sheet Types of self-injury
for people who self-injure
Some forms of self-injury get talked about
more often than others, but you may have
found your own unique ways to hurt
yourself. It is still self-injury.

Severity

The severity of your self-injury is not an
indication of the level of your emotional
distress. You should never feel that your
self-injury isn’t ‘bad’ enough for you to
need or deserve help. You deserve help.

What is self-injury? Who to turn to Scan the image on your smartphone to
access our mobile website.
Self-injury is any deliberate, non-suicidal Talking about self-injury can be really
behaviour that inflicts physical injury to your hard. You might feel it's easier to talk Points to remember:
body. Self-injury is essentially a coping about 'feeling rough' or your stress or
mechanism that may enable you to deal with the things that you feel are going wrong Self-injury is a symptom of underlying
intense emotional distress, creating a for you at the moment. emotional distress, and a coping
calming sensation. Or you may use self- mechanism;
injury to ‘awaken’ you when feeling numb or Turn to someone you really trust – a
dissociated. friend, family member, maybe a Severity or type of self-injury is not an
teacher. Make sure you both have the indication of the level of emotional
The injuries may validate your feelings, time to sit down and talk. You might distress being suffered;
creating a ‘real’ pain that is easier to cope find it helpful to print fact sheets or
with than the hidden emotional pain. pages from our website to explain what Self-injury has nothing to do with
self-injury is about. Try to focus on the personal strength, and admitting that
Self-injury has an immediate effect, creating underlying emotional causes. you need help is a sign of courage, not
instant relief, but it is only temporary; the weakness;
underling emotional issues still remain. Over It may upset them to hear what you do.
time, self-injury may have become your Don’t allow yourself to get disappointed At LifeSIGNS, we encourage all people
automatic response to the ordinary strains of with this reaction. Allow them time to to make positive changes in their lives,
everyday life, and both frequency and digest everything – you don’t have to empowering themselves to move away
severity of self-injury may have increased. explain everything in one go. from self-injury and find healthier
coping mechanisms;
At LifeSIGNS, we recognise that self-injury is Look at our ‘coming out’ page for some
a coping mechanism, and we will never more help: www.lifesigns.org.uk/out When moving away from self-injury, it’s
judge you or tell you to stop. But we do okay to have relapses – don’t be hard
encourage you to make positive changes in Alternatives: on yourself if you find yourself turning
your life and in your behaviour, and seek to SI at times;
healthier coping mechanisms so that you can Express your feelings - get it all out on
choose to move away from self-injury. paper or in an email. Express yourself, You are not alone! Join our support
be honest with yourself, but don't let forum and gain support alongside
Who self-injures negative judgements about yourself others. Follow LifeSIGNS on our social
creep in - just state your emotions; networks.
Self-injury affects people from all walks of Create something - it doesn't have to
life, irrespective of age, gender, sexual be related to your SI or your issues. You When to seek medial attention
orientation, ethnicity or personal strength. might create something of beauty, or
just something of interest. Don't judge The majority of scratches and cuts can be
it or yourself by how 'good' it is, focus dealt with at home with sterile dressings,
on and enjoy the process of creation; antiseptic wash and plasters. Burns must
Call someone – keep it short and be checked by a medical professional.
friendly, just a chat might help;
Chat online – on social network sites, If an injury is serious or an overdose has
or our support forum at been taken, medical attention should be
www.lifesigns.org.uk/board sought. If in any doubt call NHS Direct on
15 min rule - when the urge to self- 0845 46 47 (UK only); you will not be
injure comes, tell yourself that you are ‘interrogated’ - it’s OK to call for advice.
going to choose to not self-injure for
15 minutes; after this period of 15 It can be scary, or you may feel you don’t
minutes, if you still feel like self- deserve help, but it is essential to get
injuring, then you can; proper medical attention if a wound is too
Find more suggestions at serious for a simple first aid kit.
www.lifesigns.org.uk/help
Be aware that although self-injury is non-
suicidal behaviour, the emotional distress
that leads to self-injury can also lead to
thoughts of suicide. If you feel suicidal,
please seek urgent medical assistance.

Copyright © 2012 - 13 LifeSIGNS - www.lifesigns.org.uk - People who self-injure fact sheet V2

LifeSIGNS (established 2002) is a UK based voluntary organisation that raises awareness about self-injury and
publishes user-led provided guidance, but does not offer advice or directional instruction.