Self Harm

Self-harm is intentionally causing injuries to your own body. This can take many different forms and each person’s experience will be unique. It’s often used as a way to express or cope with emotional distress. This distress can be caused by domestic violence.

Signs of Self Harm

Here are some of the signs of self-harm that you may have experienced or may notice someone else experiencing:

• unexplained cuts, bruises or cigarette burns, usually on wrists, arms, thighs and chest 
• keeping fully covered at all times, even in hot weather 
• signs of depression, such as low mood, tearfulness or a lack of motivation or interest in anything 
• self-loathing and expressing a wish to punish themselves 
• not wanting to go on and wishing to end it all 
• becoming very withdrawn and not speaking to others 
• signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they’re not good enough for something 
• signs they have been pulling out their hair 

Support Services

• Samaritans – call 116 123 (open 24 hours a day), email [email protected], or visit your local Samaritans branch
• Mind – call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 (9am to 6pm on weekdays) 
• Harmless – email [email protected]
• National Self Harm Network forums
• YoungMinds Parents Helpline – call 0808 802 5544 (9.30am to 4pm on weekdays)

Immediate Support

If you (or anyone else) are in immediate danger, please contact 999 for emergency services in Scotland. If you are thinking about taking your own life, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour support.