Self-harm
This page provides information about self-harm, and where you can get advice and support.
Overview of self-harm
- Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with a build-up of difficult feelings or thoughts.
- Self-harm can be in a form of scratching, cutting, overdosing on medication, biting or burning or showing risky behaviour. Eating Disorders are also a form of self-harm
- Young people are more likely to self-harm than adults. A recent HealthWatch Suffolk 'My Health, Our Future Survey' (2021) revealed that Nine percent of young people in school said they currently self-harm.
- People self-harm not for attention seeking, but as a cry for help. Someone who self-harms are at a higher risk of suicide.
- Treatment for self-harm usually requires professional support to look at a combination of self-help techniques.
The below NHS video titled 'Talking about Self-harm' has some helpful advice.
Click the drop down boxes below which will navigate you to further information and where you can seek support.
I am an adult looking for support
How to find support:
Seeing your GP to discuss your self-harm behaviour confidentially.
- To find a GP visit NHS website
Your GP will refer you to access Adult Mental Health Support Services. You can find details of the NHS Mental Health Support Services on the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust Website.
Find support online:
- harmless.org.uk - support for people who self-harm, and their friends and family.
- lifesigns.org.uk - self-harm guidance and support network.
If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed and need urgent support
- Call 111 option 2 for the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line - 24/7 helpline for anyone, of any age.
- If someone is threatening to take their life and are in immediate danger, please call 999.
I am a parent/carer looking for support
How to find support:
If you are a parent or carer looking for help to support a young person who is self-harming, please go to our 'Self-harm in Children and Young People' advice page.
You can find further advice about self-harm, or support if you are a parent/carer who lives in Lowestoft and Waveney, from the Just One Norfolk Website.
If you need urgent mental health support contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line. Call 111 and press option 2. This is a 24/7 helpline for anyone of any age.
I am a young person looking for support
How to find support:
- If you need urgent mental health support contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line. Call 111 and press option 2. This is a 24/7 helpline for anyone of any age.
- Contact the Emotional Wellbeing Hub (For young people living in East and West Suffolk) Or Just One Norfolk (For young people in Lowestoft and Waveney).
- Get online counselling and peer support from Kooth
- Go to The Source website for sources of information and support on health and a range of topics that are important to young people in Suffolk
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