The UK has the highest self-harm rate of any country in Europe, according to the Mental Health Foundation. An estimated 400 in every 100,000 adults is said to be struggling with self-injury disorder or compulsion. The Mental Health Foundation estimates that a third of “self-harmers” have drug and alcohol issues. One of our experts explains, “self harm and addiction is a dangerous combination. Many addicts and alcoholics struggle with depression and low self-esteem. Self-harming behaviours further reinforce feelings of shame and self-loathing. Many addicts who self-harm are at a loss to explain why they do it - causing them to fall into a deeper spiral of hopelessness.” What is Self-Harm? Self-harm is an intentionally injurious act with a vague feeling of “wanting to punish” oneself. Common behaviours include:
- Cutting or burning the skin - often with knives, razor blades and cigarettes or lighters
- Punching or hitting oneself, banging ones head against a wall
- Poisoning oneself with medications, toxic chemicals or household cleaning agents
- Misusing alcohol and drugs
- Starving and bingeing - whether episodically or as part of anorexia/bulimia
- Problems at school or work, such as being bullied, or feeling overwhelmed with work or study.
- Difficult relationships with friends and family, or the break-up of an intimate relationship
- Trauma - especially physical or sexual abuse, being attacked or suffering a bereavement
- Struggling with sexual or gender identity or cultural expectations, such as an arranged marriage or conforming to a hetero-normalcy