Self harm
What is self harm?
Self harm, also referred to as self injury, is when a person inflicts injury upon themselves to help deal with stressful situations or angst. The most common form of self harm is cutting the skin of arms, legs and abdomen, however, the term is not confined to this behaviour.
People can hurt themselves by compulsively picking their skin, pulling their hair out, burning themselves, stabbing, poisoning or scratching. A broader definition extends to those who inflict harm on their bodies by over or under indulging with food, alcohol or drug abuse.
It is a common belief that self harm is an attention seeking, call for help; however research has indicated that most self harmers are in fact self conscious of their wounds and scars and feel guilty about their behaviour. As such, they can often go to great lengths to cover their injuries.
Self harm can also be understood in terms of a person's intent to cause physical pain in order to block out emotional distress.
How common is it?
Independent research commissioned by the Priory Group in 2005 found that an unacceptably high proportion of British youngsters were self-harming. The condition is most prevalent in teenage girls although some do continue their behaviour into adulthood.
The research found that 13 per cent of young people have self-harmed and the prevalence is highest in girls aged 15 to 17. Self harming is a dramatic, addictive behaviour, a maladaptive way for growing numbers of youngsters to relieve their psychological distress by literally cutting themselves off from disturbing thoughts and feelings.
Why does it occur?
It is believed that self harm is not typically suicidal behaviour and normally it is not life threatening. However it is not uncommon for people who self harm to also have a history of suicidal behaviours on occasions when they have felt hopeless and in despair.
Self harm can provide temporary relief from feelings such as anxiety, depression, stress or self-loathing. The pain inflicted can release endorphins and a rush of adrenaline which can become pleasurable to the sufferer.
How Priory can help
Priory has been helping to treat people who self harm for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.
The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774 679) or email info@priorygroup.com
To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with self harm please click here.
For more support
If you feel you may be affected by self harm and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:
Mind
www.mind.org
0845 766 0163
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 90 90 90
Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 774 679
If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.