Self-harm
Health and wellbeing
Deliberate self-harm is more common than many people realise, especially among young people. You can learn skills to help you turn to more constructive coping strategies, and there is a lot of other support available to tackle self harm.
If you are considering suicide or feel you are at risk of acting on suicidal thoughts, please see the Support in a crisis page.
It is always advisable to consult your GP about a habit of self-harm or if you are feeling persistently low, especially if your daily functioning is significantly affected. Let your personal tutor or course leader know if you are having difficulties affecting your studies – they are there to help, and can offer useful advice and support.
Library books
The University library has copies of the following books which could be useful:
- Germer, C. K - The mindful path to self-compassion : freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions - 153.83/GER
- Schmidt, U & Davison, K - Life After Self-Harm: A Guide to the Future - 616.85844/SCH
- Strohsal, K. D & Robinson, P - The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression - 616.8914/STR
- Sutton, J - Healing the Hurt Within - 616.85844/SUT
Other resources
If you would like to research more around the topic of self harm, the Student Wellbeing Service can recommend the following self-help resources:
Students Against Depression
This site offers comprehensive information and advice about recognising and tackling depression, along with stories and blogs with tips from students who have experienced it themselves.
NHS Booklets on Depression and Self Harm
This page links to a series of booklets providing information and self-help activities to learn skills for dealing with common issues, including stress, anxiety, panic, obsessions and compulsions, alcohol, depression, and self harm.
Self-Harm
Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet for anyone who wants to know more about self-harm. It discusses different ways in which individuals may harm themselves and why people self-harm. It also discusses what help is available for people who self harm, what they can do to help themselves, and what those close to them can do to help.
Harmless
A user-led organisation providing support, information and training to people who self-harm, their friends, families and professionals. Includes postal and email self-harm support through a counsellor and other volunteers with personal or professional experience of self-harm, and lots of useful information on understanding and managing self-harm.
National Self-Harm Network
National charity aiming to support people who self-harm and their families, and to empower people to seek further support and alternatives to self-harm. Includes a moderated online forum in which people can talk about their self-harm in an anonymous, understanding, non-judgemental environment. Also offers support via email and a free helpline as well as online information about self-harm.
Other self-help resources
Take a look at our other self-help resources.