YourVoice- Advice and Support- Self-Harm
Self-harming is hurting yourself on purpose. It is often a way a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress. If you are unable to express these feelings, you may feel that cutting or burning yourself or turning to drugs or alcohol is the only solution.
Who can I talk to?
Self-harming will only ever be a temporary solution to the emotions you are feeling.
Please talk to someone about your feelings. Your doctor, a school nurse or a trusted adult can help you find the right person to speak to. You can also talk to your school counsellor or mentor for further support.
School nurses hold clinics in every Secondary School in Doncaster every two weeks. They also have an e-clinic that you can book an appointment in advance for. You can text their service for more information and to book on 07917 031891.
Papyrus provide confidential help and advice to young people to prevent suicide
Help and support from the NHS.
The Calm Harm App provides tasks that help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. You can add your own tasks too and it’s completely private and password protected
How can I prevent these feelings?
There a number of alternatives you can try instead of self-harm including:
- Put an elastic band on your wrist or arm and snap it when you feel like cutting yourself
- Write your feelings down somewhere that only you can see
- Exercise – go for a run or walk. Releasing energy can help reduce feelings of anxiety
- Rub ice on the skin where you might usually cut
- Find a private space and yell or scream at the top of your lungs
- Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. These can help you get control of your feelings.
- Use a red pen to draw on your body
You can make an appointment to speak with your school nurse via an e-clinic. You can text their service for more information and to book on 07917 031891.