SELF HARM

1. SELF HARM VLE 31.1.12 This presentation will introduce you to the subject and take you to websites to link in with for further information

2. SELF HARM • Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It is a way of expressing deep emotional feelings such as low self-esteem, or a way of coping with traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one. • Self-harm is an expression of personal distress, rather than an illness, although it can be linked to other mental health conditions such as depression. • Research has suggested that self-harm is most common among 15-19-year-olds, and those suffering from anxiety and depression. • An expert explains why young people may self-harm http://www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/Self-harm.aspx?searchtype=Tag&searchterm=Mental+health&offset=17&

3. Signs of self-harm Types of self-harm may include: • cutting the skin • burning the skin • punching your own body • poisoning yourself with tablets • misusing alcohol or drugs • eating disorders, such as deliberately starving yourself (anorexia nervosa), binge eating or bulimia

4. Signs of self-harm • People often try to keep self-harm a secret because of shame or fear of discovery. For example, they may cover up their skin and avoid discussing the problem. It may, therefore, be up to close family and friends to notice when somebody is self-harming, and to approach the subject with care and understanding. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Self-injury/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

5. Self-Harm Videos on YouTube: Dangerous or Therapeutic? http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WomensHealth/harm-vids-youtube-dangerous-therapeutic/story?id=12950980

6. References: • ABC News www.abcnews.go.com Accessed 30.1.12 • NHS Choices. www.nhs.uk Accessed 30.1.12