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Statistics suggest that there are substantially more women than men who 'self injure'. 'Self-injury' is any sort of self-harm that involves causing injuries or pain to your own body. It can take many forms. The most common form of self-injury is probably cutting. Women may also burn themselves, punch themselves or hit their bodies against something. Some people pick or scratch their skin, or pull out hair. It can be a frightening yet quite common act of abuse.

Many people cope with their problems in ways that are risky and harmful to themselves. Some drink or eat too much, smoke, drive too fast, gamble, or make themselves ill through overwork or worry. They might do this to numb or distract themselves from problems or feelings they cannot bear to face (like 'drowning your sorrows'). Self-injury is very like these other forms of self-harm. Like drink or drugs, hurting herself may help a woman block out painful feelings. Like taking risks or gambling, it may provide danger and distraction.

Often women say that self-injury helps them to release unbearable tension, which may be caused by anxiety, grief or anger. It puts their pain 'outside', where it feels easier to cope with. For others it relieves feelings of guilt or shame. Sometimes a woman's self-injury is a 'cry for help'; a way of showing (even to herself) that she has suffered and is in pain. Perhaps hurting herself is a way of feeling 'real' and alive, or having control over something in her life. Common misconceptions about self-harm suggest that it is failed suicide or a way of seeking attention. In general self-harm is neither of these things.

Self-injury causes great distress, and can seem a difficult problem to overcome. But it is possible for a woman to stop hurting herself, if she can understand and sort out the problems behind what she does.

If you are someone who self-injures

Think about what your self-injury is 'saying' about your feelings and your life. This will give you clues about problems you need to work on. You might find it helpful to talk about your self-injury and what lies behind it with friends or a counsellor.

Helping someone who self-injures

You may feel upset, shocked or angry when someone you care about hurts themselves. Try to look behind the injuries and see the person in pain. The most precious things you can offer are acceptance and support. Let your friend know you understand that self-injury is helping them to cope at the moment and that they are not 'bad' or 'mad' for doing it. You could invite them to talk to you about their feelings, or to call you if they are having a difficult time. Only offer as much as you can cope with, and don't try to take responsibility for stopping them from hurting herself.

You can come and visit the women's officer or another member of advice centre staff in the student union, who can give you contact detail of various support groups or agencies as well as providing confidential and safe space.

The Nurses Unit also has experience in dealing with symptoms and issues relating to self-harm. You can call them on ext 94737 or drop into the clinic, which can be found through the security reception lodge (Opposite the chaplaincy centre). It is open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, during term time or at weekends during vacation periods from 9am-5pm. The Nurses unit is there to provide a confidential, non-judgemental service.

If you just need someone to talk to then contact nightline the confidential listening service run by students, for students. Call x94444 between 10pm & 8am every night during term time, for information or just somebody to talk to. Or you can contact the University counselling service in Furness College or on ext.92690.

See the 'Helplines and websites' page for contact details of agencies and individuals who can offer more support.