Making the environment safe: be with other people, remove any objects that could cause you harm, avoid places where you’re more likely to self-harm when you have the urge.
Making a self-harm distraction box: fill a box or bag with things you can use to distract yourself when you have the urge to self-harm, kind of like a ‘first-aid kit’ you can turn to quickly. The box should include things that require concentration, that you enjoy and that are safe. The contents might include a colouring-in book, knitting, a bracelet-making kit, various fabrics, a favourite book, a favourite childhood toy – anything that will bring you comfort.
Writing a journal: journalling can be a really helpful way to identify how you’re feeling and what’s making you feel lthat way. Becoming more aware of your emotions can also help you to become more aware of what leads you to self-harm.
Exercising: exercise helps release physical tension and can be a great way to manage distress. Go for a run or a walk in the park, jump up and down on the spot, or ask a friend to do something active with you.
Resources
Calm Harm App – reduces urges to self-harm and manage emotions in a more positive way (cost free).
Blue Ice App – helps young people manage their emotions and reduces urge to self-farm (cost free).
distrACT App – quick and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts (cost free).
Harmless (www.harmless.org.uk) is a user led organisation that provides a range of services about self-harm including support and information to people who self-harm, their friends, families and professionals.
LifeSIGNS (www.lifesigns.org.uk) provide information about self-injury and while they will never tell anyone to ‘stop’, they can support people as and when they choose to make changes in their lives.
NSHN (www.nshn.co.uk) offers support to individuals who self-harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life.
SelfharmUK (www.selfharm.co.uk) is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self -harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask any questions and to be honest about what’s going on in their life.
Rainbow Journal – a book aimed at helping young people move from self-harm to self-care. It has blank pages for writing about feelings and for drawing. It includes artwork, quotes and poems by young people who self-harm. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with counselling. Available free to under-18s in the UK – www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/rainbow-journal
Alumnia – free, online 7-week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 8 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones/tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workings www.selfharm.co.uk
Visyon (www.visyon.org.uk/support) is a charity that supports the mental health of children, young people and their families They offer one to one counselling and mentoring as well as other sessions.