Simple First Aid Guide to What is Self Harm

This simple first-aid guide to what is self-harm has been developed to explain what self-harm is, and its signs and symptoms. It is part of a series of simple first-aid guides developed by Dynamo Training Solutions.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when someone intentionally damages or injures their body. It is usually a way of coping with or expressing deep, overwhelming emotional distress. Self-harm is a lot more common than people believe, especially among the younger population.

Reasons for self-harm?

Some of the more recognised reasons for self-harm include:

• Physical or sexual abuse

• Alcohol misuse

• Drug misuse

• Relieving a distressful emotion

• Bereavement

• The end of a relationship

• A way of communicating their distress

• Confusion about sexuality

• A way of self-punishment

• Difficult relationship

• Being bullied

What are the potential signs and symptoms of self-harm?

• Potential signs and symptoms of self-harm include:

• Claiming to have frequent accidents or mishaps

• Unexplained cuts, bruising, or cigarette burns. These are typically on the wrists, arms, thighs, and the chest

• Keeping themselves fully covered, even in hot weather

• Signs of depression, including low mood, tearfulness, or a lack of motivation or interest in anything

• Signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they are not good enough

Simple first aid guide to self-harm

Dynamo Training Solutions provides first aid for mental health training throughout London, Kent, and the Southeast.

This is part of a series of first aid guides that have been produced to easily explain some mental health conditions and how to recognise signs and symptoms.