Self Harm

From time to time depressed feelings inside you can build up and make you feel stressed and worried.

Some people bottle things up so much that this pressure just keeps building up and this can lead to people self-harming.

Many people hurt themselves secretly for a long time before finding the courage to tell people.

Problems that can trigger self-harm include:

• worrying about schoolwork or exams
• family splits like divorce
• bullying
• the death of someone close

If you are self-harming, find someone you can talk to. If you think someone might be self-harming try to get them to talk to you and encourage them to seek medical help. Your Connexions PA would be a good person to start with.

Childline have put together a self-harm factsheet and you can call them for help on 0800 1111.

The Samaritans are an organisation staffed by volunteers who offer confidential non-judgemental support 24 hours a day. Visit www.samaritans.org or call 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours a day, 365 days per year).

There4Me are an organisation that provides confidential help and advice for 12-16 year olds www.there4me.com