Self Harm
Self harm – or self-injury – is when someone deliberately cuts or injures themselves. Most people self-harm to relieve unwanted emotions like depression or anxiety. Some say they do it when a specific problem arises, others say that self-harming makes them feel something other than numb.
Whatever the reasons behind it, getting help is important. If you, or someone you care about, is self-harming you’re best to:
- Talk to a GP
- Call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 or 18001 08454 24 24 24 if you have a textphone. A specially trained nurse or advisor will help you if you are ill or have health concerns about someone close to you. They can also help about local health services and other useful contacts.
There’s also a wealth of additional support, advice and information available locally, at the end of the phone and online. Click on each heading to be taken straight to that section.
Local support
Causeway One Stop Shop
Causeway offer support and services to people experiencing mental health problems. You can get in touch with Causeway yourself and do not need to have a diagnosis from your GP. Causeway services can be tailored to your needs and include one to one work and groups.
Email: admin@causeway-ramh.org
Tel: 0141 577 5557
Drop-in resource centre: 112b Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6EG.
Opening hours: Mon–Thurs 9am–5 pm, Fri 9am–4pm
East Renfrewshire Youth Counselling Services (ERYCS)
ERYCS work with young people and children in a variety of ways to offer support with emotional or mental health issues they may be facing, such as anxiety, stress, bullying, eating issues, self-harm, bereavement and relationship difficulties.
Email: youthcounselling@ea.e-renfrew.sch.uk
Tel: 0141 577 2600 (Senior Youth Counsellor)
Text for an appointment: 0790 027 2546
Phone support
Breathing Space 08457 90 90 90
Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
ChildLine 0800 1111
A free and confidential helpline for children and young people in the U.K. You can call and talk about any problem – their counsellors are always there to help you sort it out.
Samaritans 08457 90 9090
Confidential non-judgemental emotional advice 24hours a day for people experiencing the feeling of distress or despair including suicidal feelings.
Online information
NHS Health Library: Self injury
The NHS Health Library provides information relating to Self Injury; its causes, diagnosis, treatment and how to manage the condition.
Rethink: Self Harm
A factsheet from Rethink providing information on who, what and why. They also provide information on how to tell someone, how to ask for help and dealing with scars.
Young Minds: Worried about Self-Injury
(PDF 6.5MB)
A booklet producded by Young Minds which aims to help you understand more about self-injury and help on finding support for yourself.
Online advice & support
National Self Harm Network
Supports survivors and people who self-harm. They also support the people it indirectly affects, like family and friends. Discuss the issues and gain effective support in the forum.
Self harming in children and young people
Young Minds
Has sections sections aimed at Children, young people and parents. Simple go to the section and search for self injury or harm, you will get a varied amount of information.
Young People and Self Harm
An informative site full of information for young people who self-harm, their friends and families,and professionals working with them.
