The first of March is Self-Injury Awareness Day, a day for breaking down stereotypes and sharing messages of support for people who self-harm. “Self-injury" can have a different meaning to different people. In this case “self-injury” means any type of behaviour that injures your body on purpose, without meaning to end your life.
Self-injury affects everyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, career, or personal strength; and it’s much more common than many people realise. Statistics show that around 20% of young people and 5% of adults have self-harmed themselves.
According to the College of Animal Welfare the highest self-injury rate of any country in Europe with estimates of 400 in 100,000 people self-harming. If you are worried about someone who may be at risk contact the Adult Social Care Access Team on 020 7527 2299 or complete the online safeguarding concern form. If someone is at immediate risk or danger please call 999.
To find out more information please click on the links below –
Self-harm and recovery: let's talk about it | Mental Health Foundation