Who self-harms?
About 1 in 10 young people will self-harm at some point, but it can occur at any age.
It is more common in young women than men.
Gay and bisexual people seem to be more likely to self-harm.
Sometimes groups of young people self-harm together - having a friend who self-harms may increase your chances of doing it as well.
Self-harm is more common in some sub-cultures – "goths" seem to be particularly vulnerable.
People who self-harm are more likely to have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse during childhood.
Research probably under estimates how common self-harm is, and surveys find higher rates in communities and schools than in hospitals. Some types of self-harm, like cutting, may be more secret and so less likely to be noticed by other people. In a recent study of over 4000 self-harming adults in hospital, 80% had overdosed and around 15% had cut themselves. In the community, these statistics would probably be reversed.
About 1 in 10 young people will self-harm at some point, but it can occur at any age.
It is more common in young women than men.
Gay and bisexual people seem to be more likely to self-harm.
Sometimes groups of young people self-harm together - having a friend who self-harms may increase your chances of doing it as well.
Self-harm is more common in some sub-cultures – "goths" seem to be particularly vulnerable.
People who self-harm are more likely to have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse during childhood.
Research probably under estimates how common self-harm is, and surveys find higher rates in communities and schools than in hospitals. Some types of self-harm, like cutting, may be more secret and so less likely to be noticed by other people. In a recent study of over 4000 self-harming adults in hospital, 80% had overdosed and around 15% had cut themselves. In the community, these statistics would probably be reversed.
What makes people self-harm?
Emotional distress – people often struggle with difficulties for some time before they self-harm:
Physical or sexual abuse;
Feeling depressed;
Feeling bad about yourself;
Relationship problems with partners, friends, and family.
If you feel:
That people don't listen to you;
Hopeless;
Isolated, alone;
Out of control;
Powerless – it feels as though there's nothing you can do to change anything.
Using alcohol or drugs – it may feel that these are as out of control as the rest of your life.
If you want to show someone else how distressed you are or to get back at them or to punish them. This is not common – most people suffer in silence and self-harm in private.
Emotional distress – people often struggle with difficulties for some time before they self-harm:
Physical or sexual abuse;
Feeling depressed;
Feeling bad about yourself;
Relationship problems with partners, friends, and family.
If you feel:
That people don't listen to you;
Hopeless;
Isolated, alone;
Out of control;
Powerless – it feels as though there's nothing you can do to change anything.
Using alcohol or drugs – it may feel that these are as out of control as the rest of your life.
If you want to show someone else how distressed you are or to get back at them or to punish them. This is not common – most people suffer in silence and self-harm in private.
How does it make you feel?
Self-harm can help you to feel in control, and reduce uncomfortable feelings of tension and distress. If you feel guilty, it can be a way of punishing yourself and relieving your guilt. Either way, it can become a 'quick fix' for feeling bad.
Self-harm can help you to feel in control, and reduce uncomfortable feelings of tension and distress. If you feel guilty, it can be a way of punishing yourself and relieving your guilt. Either way, it can become a 'quick fix' for feeling bad.
Are people who self-harm mentally ill?
Most people who self-harm are not mentally ill. However, some may be depressed, or have severe personality difficulties, or be addicted to alcohol and drugs. But they all still need help - the risk of killing yourself increases after self-harm. Everyone who self-harms should be taken seriously and offered help.
Most people who self-harm are not mentally ill. However, some may be depressed, or have severe personality difficulties, or be addicted to alcohol and drugs. But they all still need help - the risk of killing yourself increases after self-harm. Everyone who self-harms should be taken seriously and offered help.