Is your life in danger?

If you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose – or you feel that you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E.

Or ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.

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The term 'self-harm' or 'self-injury' usually refers to someone causing themselves harm. Self-harm is often a physical response to emotional pain and/or intolerable experiences. It can also include self-neglect and engaging in risk taking behaviour.  

Self-harm is any act of intentional self-injury or self-poisoning. Examples include self-cutting, taking an overdose, swallowing objects or poisons, hitting or bruising, self-strangulation with ligatures, burning. Self-harm is common in young people: at least 10% report having self-harmed. It is more common in females than males, especially in early adolescence. Self-harm is much less frequent in younger children, but under the age of 11 self-harm is more common in boys than in girls. Self-harm may present somewhat differently in this age group; for example, scratching, picking scabs, head-banging, other forms of self-injury or reckless behaviour.

For many young people self-harm is used as a coping mechanism. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s reasons for self-harming are individual to them. Control, release, punishment, compulsion, and expression are just a selection of reasons as to why someone may injure themselves. Sometimes, self-harm can also be a reaction to overwhelming life events that may feel unmanageable e.g., traumatic experiences in childhood such as abuse

Professionals are advised to follow your local policies to share your concerns with and seek further advice and support from your safeguarding lead or nominated mental health lead and follow the referral routes in this document. This might include referral to CAMHS / Community School Nurse / GP. Seek advice from MASH on 01908 253 169 if there is an underlying or emerging Child Protection concern. You can also email

Parents and Carers can also contact CAMHS/Community School Nurse/GP for advice and support.