This a brief presentation introducing self-harm. It looks at what self-harm is, symptoms of self-harm, possible causes of self-harm and how to respond to self-harm.

1. Scars
Signs of
low self-
esteem
Hair
loss or
bald
spots
Spending
lots of
time
alone
Keeping
sharp
objects
around
Keeping
self
covered
Claiming
frequent
accidents
What is Self-harm?
Self – harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures
their body. It is a way of coping with, or expressing overwhelming
emotional distress. Below are some symptoms of self-harm.
Unexplained
cuts, burns
and bruises

2. Possible
causes of
Self-harm
Trauma and social
factors
Relationship difficulties,
difficulties at work, being
bullied, worries about
money, coming to terms
with sexuality, alcohol or
drug misuse, coping with
cultural expectations.
Emotional Distress
Anger, guilt, traumatic
experience, unhappy
situations, anxiety,
loneliness, feeling of
hopelessness, grief,
unconnected to the
world, feeling unworthy.
Psychological causes
Hearing voices,
repeated self-harm
thoughts, boderline
personality disorder.
Self-harm mostly due
to a mental health
condition.

3. Respond To Self-Harm With SEA
Safety
First
Ensure
person
is safe
Give
first
aid,
or call
ambulance, or go
to A&E.
Engage
Positively
Don’t
panic
Stay
calm
Reassure
person Keep
talking
to
distract
Afterward
Support
Point to
self-
harm
helplines
Self-harm
risk
management
plan
Self-help
strategies
Self-harm
support
plan