Self Harm

There are many forms of self harm: such as cutting, burning, or deliberately bruising the self

Over eating or starving can be seen as a type of self harm as can staying in an abusive relationship.

Self harm can be done on parts of the body that are rarely seen and often the people around those who self harm know nothing about it. Therapy works toward self acceptance, compassionate self care and self worth as well as behaviour management.

Often deliberate self harm begins in young people who do not have adequate coping strategies. It is a way to release and externalise emotional pain into physical pain.

There can be underlying feelings of worthlessness or feeling as if they deserve to be punished (self hatred) as well as body dysmorphia, isolation, depression and eating disorders.