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Self-Harm

Content/Trigger Warning: Please note that by its nature, the following page contains words that vividly describe injuries and overdoses. 

When you are faced with difficult situations, you might feel the need to harm yourself as a way of coping.

Self-harm can include scratching, picking or cutting your skin. It could be burning or hitting yourself. It may also be putting yourself in risky situations.

If you are self-harming, it is very important to get help from someone you trust and to see a health professional as there is a risk you could seriously injure yourself. 

Our Experiences

By young people, for young people

"Over the past few years self harm has been a big thing for me and has impacted me in many ways. Starting high school was a big change and me, personally, I don’t deal with changes well.

"My anxiety racked up and the quickest solution to take my mind off of it was self harm, which led to an ongoing addiction for three years. I felt embarrassed to speak up as I didn’t know how to put how I felt into words. My advice is to seek help whilst you can, it’s okay to feel the way you do and you’re never alone."

Dara, Age 17

(Some names changed to protect people's identities)

All You Need to Know

In an emergency call 999 and ask for an ambulance, or go straight to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (A&E).

If the situation is less serious, you can visit your GP, NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111 available 24 hours a day, to speak to a trained professional who will advise you on what action to take.

IMPORTANT! If you’re ever in ANY doubt as to how serious the injury is, always seek medical advice.

If You Self Harm

Who Can Help?

It's important to get support or treatment as soon as possible. Speak to a GP if:

  • You're harming yourself
  • You're having thoughts about harming yourself.

These organisations offer information and support for anyone who self-harms or thinks about self-harm, or their friends and family:

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else, Staying Safe provides information on how to make a safety plan.

You can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.

Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm. 

If you live in Norfolk:

If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice and guidance from a health professional. Chat Health is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Service by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you live in Waveney:

You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.

Urgent Mental Health Support

For 24/7 immediate advice, support and signposting for anyone with mental health difficulties please contact 111 and select the mental health option. 

If you feel someone's life is at risk or they cannot be kept safe, call 999 or go to A&E.


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