Medicines for Self-harm

What it is

Self-harm is when a person deliberately hurts themselves, usually as a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress, difficult feelings, or a sense of being unable to cope. It is more common than many people realise, and can affect people of any age, though it often begins in the teenage years. Self-harm is not usually about wanting to end one’s life — more often it is a way of trying to cope with, release, or gain some control over intense emotional pain, or to feel something when feeling numb — but it is a sign that a person is struggling and needs support, and it can be linked with underlying difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions or stresses. It is important to approach self-harm with compassion and without judgement or stigma, as shame and fear of being judged can make it harder for people to seek help. The most important messages are that a person who self-harms deserves support and understanding, that help is available and effective, and that things can get better. If you are hurting yourself, or thinking about it, please reach out — to someone you trust, a GP, or a helpline — as talking about it and getting support can help. It is also important to be aware that if a person is in crisis, has seriously harmed themselves, or is having thoughts of ending their life, this is an emergency needing immediate help. With support, most people find ways to cope differently over time, and addressing the underlying difficulties helps. Understanding, compassion, and access to support and treatment make a real difference.

How it is treated

Support for self-harm focuses on compassion, understanding the underlying distress, keeping the person safe, and providing help and treatment — and the encouraging message is that support is available and effective, and things can improve. If you are self-harming or thinking about it, reaching out is an important step: talking to someone you trust, a GP, a school or work support service, or a helpline (such as, in the UK, the Samaritans on 116 123, available any time) can help, and a GP can arrange support and assess for any underlying difficulties. Help may include: talking therapies and psychological support, which can help a person understand and address the feelings and difficulties behind the self-harm and develop other ways of coping; support for any underlying mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety) or life difficulties; and practical strategies and a safety plan for managing urges and staying safe. Support for family, friends, and carers is also available and important. If you are supporting someone who self-harms, responding with calm, compassion, and without judgement, listening, taking them seriously, and helping them access support, all help — while looking after your own wellbeing too. It is important to know when to seek urgent help: if a person has seriously harmed themselves and needs medical attention, or is in crisis or having thoughts of ending their life, this is an emergency — call emergency services (999) or go to A&E, or contact a crisis line. For ongoing support, a GP is a good starting point and can connect people with appropriate services. The reassuring and hopeful messages are that self-harm is a sign that support is needed rather than something to be ashamed of, that many people find other ways to cope over time with help, and that compassionate support and treatment can make a real difference — so reaching out, for yourself or someone else, is a positive and important step.