Self-Harm (Injury) or Self-Neglect are two very similar ways of causing injury to yourself and often occur as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. Ways in which people self-harm can happen in many forms including: cutting / hitting yourself, misusing alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs, over eating or under eating, biting, picking, scratching or burning their skin or inserting sharp / harmful objects into their body.
Self-Neglect is a lack of ‘self-care’ to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety, in other words it is “failing to provide one’s own essential needs”. It results in a mind-set of ‘giving up’ and an inability to avoid harm. This can include getting into fights where you know you will get hurt, knowingly refusing to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs. Self-Neglect also includes lack of care for personal hygiene, health (Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions) or living conditions (Unsafe living conditions – no plumbing, no heat or running water, animal/insect infestation).
Recognising the signs
Both Self-Harm and Self-Neglect can be a result of someone trying to express or cope with emotional distress, it can be seen as a way of being in control or punishing themselves. It can sometimes be hard to recognise when someone has started to self-harm, as it is often kept secret, here are a few signs to look out for:
Physical Signs:
Emotional signs:
It can be difficult to know how to talk to your friends, family or a health professional about self-harm / neglect. But many people feel more supported and less alone after talking to someone.
Support tips
If you think someone you know has started to self-harm, it’s important to approach the subject with care and understanding.
Sometimes it can be helpful to just be there for that person and let them know they are not alone however it is important to remember you may not be able to help them on your own.
Tips for family members and friends
There are some things you can try that may help someone feel more supported and able to get help:
Self harm and suicide
There is evidence of a clear link between suicide or suicidal thoughts and people who have previously self-harmed.
However, not everyone who self-harms wants to end their life. Some people describe their self-harm as a way of staying alive by responding to or coping with severe emotional distress.
Mind Rotherham
Mind is an independent local which offer a variety of services including one-to-one counselling, group sessions, support for young people, training and services for employers.
Tel: 01709 919929
Email: contactus@rbmind.co.uk
RDaSH Crisis Team
0800 652 9571 (calls to this number are Free)
If you or someone you know has concerns about their immediate health RDaSH Crisis Team can help. One of our trained call handlers will signpost you to the most appropriate service depending on your level of need. This may include your out of hours GP, a voluntary organisation or our access/crisis team.
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service
01709 447755
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Local venues (dependent on Coronavirus restrictions)
Interpreting service available
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) provides an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Service. The service, provided by local therapists, is for Rotherham residents who require support with:
The service offers:
Treatments include:
Harmless
Samaritans
Call 116 123 for free
jo@samaritans.org
Self injury support - Women’s and Girls Support Service
Helpline: 0808 800 8088
tessmail@selfinjurysupport.org.uk
Text support – Text – 07537 432444
Web Chat facility
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