Self-harm occurs when an individual intentionally damages or injures their body, typically through cutting or burning their skin, or misusing drugs or alcohol. It is often a way of coping with or expressing emotional distress and can also be a cry for help.
Self-harming is especially common amongst young people, and amongst those suffering from stress, anxiety and/or depression. Those who have gone through a traumatic experience such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse are also considered to be at risk.
Students often try to hide marks of self-harm from others because of their sense of shame in committing the action. This makes it difficult for people to notice, and often family members or other students may not notice the marks. If you believe a student is self-harming or have a student report that a friend or classmate is thought to be self-harming, then approach the initial contact with understanding, care and respect.
It is also recommended that you contact the Wellbeing team as soon as possible with the student’s permission to do so. If the student does not consent to this help, then raise a wellbeing concern with the Wellbeing team (https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/student-services/health-and-wellbeing-/worried-about-a-student/).