Self-harm “Young people who are doing self-harm might wear long clothing, even in summer months, to hide the scars or new marks. Some young people self-harm just to feel something when things aren’t going well.” Ines, 11 years old Rates of self-harm have been rising for two decades in England, especially among young people aged 16–24 (272). Some young people may self-harm frequently, whilst others only once or twice, and whilst some plan self-harm in advance, others act in the moment. Self-harm is a serious problem which can occasionally cause disability and death. Even if the young person does not intend to die, they can sometimes die accidentally from their injuries (273). For some young people, especially those who have experienced abuse, acts of self-harm can be out of their control or awareness, during ‘trance like’ or ‘dissociative’ states. Self-harm is also referred to as ‘non-suicidal self-injury’ by some. Self-harm can involve many different actions, including: – Cutting or scratching skin – Branding (burning, friction burn) – Picking at skin or re-opening wounds – Hair-pulling (trichotillomania) – Hitting, bone breaking, punching walls, head-banging, provoking fights – Multiple piercing or tattooing, if pain is a factor for the young person – Drinking harmful chemicals or swallowing objects other than food and drink (274)
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