This is a short presentation which gives a definition of self-harm, then looks at why people self-harm including the self-harm cycle. It looks at who can be affected and what might trigger them then tells you some signs to look out for, how to respond if someone tells you about their self-harm and gives some ideas which are useful during recovery. This presentation can be used just for information or as part of a brief training session.

1. Self-Harm
What is it?
Why do people do it?
How can you help?
Pooky Knightsmith
@PookyH

2. Self-harm defined
AKA – self-injury, deliberate self-harm, self-poisoning
May include:
• Cutting
• Swallowing tablets / poisons
• Burning
In younger children / SEN population you may see:
• Hair pulling
• Scratching
• Head banging
Any behaviour where the intent is to
deliberately hurt oneself

3. Negative
Emotions
(sadness, anger,
despair)
Negative Effects Tension
(Shame and guilt over (inability to cope with
self-harm act) emotions)
The Cycle of
Self-harm
Positive Effects Self-Harm Act
(tension relieved
(e.g. cutting, burning)
temporarily)

4. Anyone can be affected
• Approximately 10% of secondary school aged
students have self-harmed
• Hard to know true prevalence as it’s very
secretive
• Girls considered more at risk – but may be due
to definitions
• >25% of eating disorder patients also self-
harm

5. Why?
“I was told exactly what to do all the time. I had no
control over my life at all. Then I discovered cutting
and realised I had complete control over my own
body.”
CONTROL…

6. Why?
“I don’t like it when I hurt inside – in my heart and my
brain – physical pain is a lot easier to deal with.”
COPE WITH EMOTIONS

7. Why?
“When I hurt myself it’s because I’m angry with myself
- usually because I’ve said or done something stupid
again.”
PUNISHMENT

8. Triggers
• Family relationship difficulties
• Peer relationship break up / difficulties
• Bullying
• Trauma
• SH behaviour in other students / the media
• Difficult times of year e.g. anniversaries
• Trouble in school or with the police
• Exam pressure
• Times of change (new school, parents split etc)

9. Behavioural Warning Signs
Isolation
Can’t focus
from
in class
friends
Secretive Expressing
behaviour feelings of
failure

10. Talking about self-harm
Responding positively
 Occasional eye contact
 Open body language
 Nod / affirmative noises
 Don’t take notes / check watch
 Involve them in decisions

11. Make a list of things to do before self harm. Laminate it and carry it everywhere and work
through the list when you have the urge to self-harm
Before self-harm…
Go to a quiet place and
Write or draw about Contact a friend, family
scream / scream
feelings member, helpline
silently
Hit a pillow / soft object Listen to music Look after an animal
Draw red lines on the Snap elastic band
Clench ice cubes
skin on wrist