Page 3 - Parent & Carer Support Information :: Portus

www.richmond.gov.uk/portus

What is Self-harm? Why do people Self-harm?
Self-harm is a behaviour that is done to deliberately Self-harm can fulfil several different functions:
harm oneself. Although some people who self-harm
may experience suicidal thoughts, self-harm is more • to manage extreme emotional upset
commonly used as a way of managing difficult • to reduce tension
emotions It does this by helping to regulate intense • to provide a feeling of physical pain to distract
feelings.
from emotional pain
Self-harm can include:
• to express emotions such as hurt, anger or
• Self-cutting frustration
• Hitting, bruising, and scratching • a form of escape
• Intentionally taking too much or too little • an effort to regain control over feelings or
medication problems
• Burning • an attempt to punish themselves
• Suffocating • to draw attention to their emotional pain so they
will be taken seriously and get help
• Going without food or binge-eating
• to identify with a peer group
• Putting yourself in risky or dangerous situations
• Getting into a fight you know you can’t win
• Drinking alcohol to the point that you lose
consciousness

How Self-harm can
become addictive.

Self-harm can help children and
young people feel better in the
short-term but doesn’t help in the
long-term. This is because they often
a need to repeat the behaviour when
their distress builds again.

The best way to change their
behaviour is to explore the reasons
for the distress they feel and find
better/less harmful ways for them to
express their feelings.

The Addictive Model of Self-Harming (Non-suicidal and Suicidal) Behavior - PMC (nih.gov)

Portus - A Safe Space - Self-harm and Suicide Prevention - Parent & Carer Support Information
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