What is self-harm? Self harm is defined as the act of someone hurting themselves intentionally (on purpose) Self-harm is commonly done by: a. cutting b. burning c. hitting d. picking at the skin e. pulling hair f. biting g. carving Most people who self harm are't attempting suicide. Self harm can be a way to express or control distressing thoughts or feelings. Self harm can cause more damage to health and safety than the person may have intended. Why do people self-harm? 1. to escape their feelings 2. to cope with life stressors 3. to express their pain

2. Self-harm is defined as the
act of someone hurting
themselves intentionally
(on purpose).

3. Most commonly it is done by:
• Cutting
• Burning
• Hitting
• Picking at the skin
• Pulling hair
• Biting
• Carving

4. Most people who self-harm
aren’t attempting suicide.
Self-harm can be a way to
express or control
distressing thoughts or
feelings.

5. Self-harm can cause more
damage to health and
safety than the person
may have intended.

6. • To escape their feelings
• To cope with life stressors
• To express their pain

7. • To punish themselves (Some people
mutilate their bodies to punish
themselves for what's going on in
their lives. They lack the
appropriate coping skills and
suffer from low self-esteem so
they feel that they deserve what
they are doing to themselves.)

8. • To feel euphoria. (It's true.
When we get hurt endorphins are
released into the bloodstream,
resulting in a "natural high" or
a feeling of euphoria. Self-
harming behaviors can be
addictive and habit forming.)

9. For most people, the feeling
of relief after self-harming
is only short term. This can
result in a desire to self-
harm again. Self-harming
behaviour can occur in anyone
at any age, including young
people.

10. • dealing with distressing feelings
and memories
• communicating the need for support
• as an outward sign of inner pain
• self-punishment for feelings of
guilt or shame
• loneliness

11. • bullying
• school or work problems
• relationship problems
• low self-esteem

12. Self-harm may go unnoticed
by others. Many people who
self-harm do so in private
and may not seek help.

13. • cutting, burning or hitting
yourself
• participating in risky
behaviour
• abuse of drugs or alcohol

14. • changes in mood
• being secretive
• strange excuses for
injuries

15. • strange excuses for
injuries
• withdrawing from usual
activities
• Many cuts/burns on the
wrists, arms, legs, back,
hips, or stomach

16. • Wearing baggy or loose
clothes (e.g., wearing
hoodies or long sleeves
during hot days to conceal
the wounds)
• Always making excuses for
having cuts, marks or
wounds on the body

17. • Finding razors, scissors,
lighters or knives in
strange places (i.e., the
nightstand drawer or under
the bed)
• Spending long periods
locked in a bedroom or
bathroom
• Isolation and avoiding
social situations

18. Suicide is the voluntary
and intentional act of
taking one’s life.

19. Suicide is commonly carried
out through:
• Firearms (number one
method by men and women)
• Hanging (most commonly
done by men)
• Drug Overdose (most
commonly done by women)

20. Men are four times more
likely to die from
suicide than women, but
women attempt suicide
more often during their
lifetime.

21. The warning signs of suicide:
While some suicides may occur
without any warning signs, most
people who are suicidal do give
warnings, such as:

22.  Increasing their alcohol and/or
other drug use
 Taking unnecessary risks and
impulsivity
 Threatening suicide and/or
expressing a strong wish to die
 Exhibiting rage and/or anger
 Talking about wanting to die or to
kill oneself

23.  Talking about wanting to die or to kill
oneself
 Fascinating over or preoccupying
oneself with death
 Talking about feeling hopeless or having
no reason to live
 Talking about being a burden to others
 Acting anxious or agitated; behaving
recklessly
 Isolating or withdrawing oneself
 Displaying mood swings

24.  Telling loved ones goodbye
 Giving things away, such as prized
possessions
 Referring to death via poetry, writings
and drawings
 Exhibiting dramatic changes
in personality or appearance
 Changing eating or sleeping patterns
 Declining in performance

25. Why do people commit suicide?
Here are the top six reasons:
•They're depressed
•They're psychotic
•They're impulsive
•They're crying out for help
•They have a philosophical desire to
die
•They've made a mistake

26. The difference between the mindset of a self-
harmer and a person contemplating suicide:
-There's a difference in the mindset of a self-
harmer and someone who is suicidal. The
major difference is that of “intent”.
- With suicide the intent is to bring an end to
one’s life; to end pain and suffering.
Conversely, with self-harm, the intent is one
of trying to find relief and release from
emotional pain and distress.

27. - Most people who engage in self-
harm do so as a means to cope
with their distress (avoid suicide)
rather than escape it by
committing suicide.
- Self-harm is a response to painful
emotions. Unfortunately, self-
harm may become a habitual
way of coping with stress.

28. - The injuries caused by self-harm
may be serious or superficial, but
any form of self-mutilation is a sign
of emotional distress and should be
taken seriously. Self-harm is
oftentimes confused with suicidal
behavior.
- A person who self-harms does not
intend to commit suicide, but their
self-injurious behavior may result in
an accidental death.

30. Just like physical health,
mental health is an essential
aspect of overall well-being.
It affects your thoughts,
emotions, relationships, and
your ability to handle
different situations.

31. Did you know that everyone, including
kids like you, experiences different
emotions? Emotions are feelings that
we have inside of us, and they can be
happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, and
many more. It's normal to feel
different emotions at different times,
and it's important to express and
acknowledge them.

32. It's important to express
your emotions and
communicate your needs to
trusted adults or friends.
Sharing your feelings can
help you feel better and
find the support you need.

33. Healthy coping strategies manage
your emotions and stress. These
can include deep breathing
exercises, engaging in physical
activities, talking to a trusted
adult, journaling, practicing
mindfulness or relaxation
techniques, or engaging in hobbies
you enjoy.

34. It's important to take care
of your own well-being. For
example getting enough
sleep, eating nutritious food,
exercising, and engaging in
activities you enjoy. Self-
care activities can
positively impact their
mental health.

35. It's important to have supportive
relationships. Friends and family
help you get through tough times.
Be a good listeners, empathetic,
and supportive of others. Seek
help from trusted adults if you
or someone you know is struggling
with their mental health.

36. It's okay to ask for help when you
need it. It's importance to talking
to a trusted adult, such as a
parent, teacher, or school
counselor, if you are feeling
overwhelmed or experiencing
persistent feelings of sadness or
worry. Seeking help is a sign of
strength.

37. It's important to treat everyone
with kindness and respect,
regardless of their mental health.
Mental health conditions are common
and can affect anyone.Be empathetic
and don't judge or attach stigma
towards those who may be
struggling.

38. Prioritizing your mental health
can provide a strong foundation
for your overall well-being and
equip you with the necessary
tools to effectively manage any
challenges you may encounter as
you progress.