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A recent review found that more than 7,000 people have been admitted to hospital in the last decade as a result of self-harming – and that’s just the under-16s. End of Term looks into what appears to be a growing problem.

WORDS: LINDSAY MORRISON 
Here at End of Term, we understand how stressful and awkward being a teenager can be. We know how hard it can be to deal with all the stress. But we also know that, every year, all too many of you turn to self-harm as a release for some of this stress. 

While it might seem like a good idea at the time, we also know that the physical and psychological consequences can be very serious.   
We want to help, which is why we’ve gathered together this information and advice on how to avoid or minimise the risk of self-harming.

STEP ONE

It may be  a cliché, but clichés tend to be still true; the first step is admitting that you have a problem. Self-harming can act as a release for negative emotions, but there are alternatives. It’s not the only form of support you have.
STEP TWO

When and why you are self-harming? Do you do it when you experience an extreme emotion – like fear, anger or guilt? Are you doing it to punish yourself for something you feel you have done wrong? Are you self-harming so that you can feel something when you feel numb inside? Once you have identified what triggers a self-harming session, it makes it easier to predict and, most importantly, to prevent.
STEP THREE

Try an alternative. There are always other options. 

• • Scream as loud as you can.
• • Punch a pillow or throw it against a wall.
• • Tear up a newspaper.
• • Squeeze ice cubes as hard as you can.
• • Using a red washable marker pen, draw lines on your skin where you would normally cut yourself.
• • Do something energetic – like dancing, running or swimming
• • Let it out through art
• • Develop a new hobby, such as sewing, knitting or writing stories
• • Keep a journal and write every time you feel like hurting yourself.
• • Watch a program without the sound and make up your own words.
• • Listen to music.
• • Play an instrument.
• • Take a bath with some lavender scented bubble bath.
• • Try meditation.
• • Have some comfort food – especially chocolate :-P
• • Use aromatherapy oils.

These are all ways through which you can let out your emotions and calm yourself down safely. And remember, it’s okay to cry sometimes – crying is a natural way of letting out any pent up feelings. 
Remember; you are not alone. Though many people hurt themselves, they can – and often do – get better. Don’t give up!

THERE’S HELP OUT THERE

The above list can get the ball rolling on your way to recovery, but quitting will take a lot of determination and will-power; like any addiction, self-harming isn’t easy to quit once you’ve started. If you don’t feel that you can cope on your own, there are plenty of helplines and websites available with information, advice and guidance. • Childline0800 11 11, www.childline.org.ukChildline is among the most well-known helplines for young people in the UK. They deal with any problem, big or small, and all calls are free and confidential. The free helpline is open 24/7. You can also contact them through their website, including 1-2-1 chats with a counsellor; the site also has message boards where young people can come to chat and support each other.

• • Samaritans 08457 90 90 90, www.samaritans.orgSamaritans operate throughout the UK and Ireland and help people of all ages. Their phone lines are open 24/7 and charged at a low rate. Like Childline, Samaritans are completely confidential.
• • Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87, www.breathingspacescotland.co.ukBreathing Space’s confidential free helpline is open Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am, and Friday 6pm-Monday 6am.
• • Papyrus UK 08000 68 41 41, www.papyrus-uk.org This UK voluntary organisation supports teenagers and young adults at risk of suicide, depression or emotional distress. The confidential helpline is for those worried about themselves or people they know.