{"id":306,"date":"2021-12-16T21:21:31","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T21:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/?page_id=306"},"modified":"2025-03-21T14:15:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T14:15:59","slug":"self-harm-and-suicide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/uk\/self-harm-and-suicide\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Harm and Suicide"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2688,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"resource.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-306","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"wellness_subheading":"Supplemental resources","wellness_heading":"Self-Harm and Suicide","wellness_content":"This page may help you if you are dealing with Self-Harm and\/or Suicidal Thoughts. It provides tools to help you in moments of crisis and signposts towards services you can access for additional support.","wellness_video_quote":"","wellness_video_or_image":"image","wellness_youtube_or_vimeo":"","wellness_vimeo_id":"","image":1728,"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"standard","columns":"half","text_side":"left","image_or_video":"video","youtube_or_vimeo":"youtube","image":1248,"youtube_id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=k8jw3JVfK0w&feature=emb_title","vimeo_id":"","heading":"What is Self-Harm?","text":"Self-Harm describes any deliberate self-injurious behaviour with the intent of harming oneself and can be suicidal or non-suicidal in nature. Self-harming is not a mental illness, but a behaviour that is often linked to the experience of mental distress. Once Self-Harm is established, it can be difficult to stop and, although life-threatening injuries are usually not intended, there is an increased risk of inflicting more serious injuries that can lead to ending one\u2019s life.","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_body","anchor":"","background_colour":"brand","width":"2\/3","content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"rich_text","rich_text":"Content warning: <\/strong>This page discusses Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide<\/strong>, both in written content and in the videos. If this is something that makes you feel uncomfortable or upsets you, you might decide not to access<\/strong> the information below. You can also contact the helplines & text services<\/a><\/strong> for further support."}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"standard","columns":"half","text_side":"right","image_or_video":"video","youtube_or_vimeo":"youtube","image":1253,"youtube_id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7r5XWuNwi5Y","vimeo_id":"","heading":"Why do people Self-Harm?","text":"Everyone has their own reasons as to why they self-harm and these can change over time. It is important to remember that Self-Harm is not attempted suicide or a cry for attention. While some people who harm themselves also have suicidal thoughts, there are many other factors that motivate individuals to self-harm. In fact, the majority of people who self-harm do so as a way to cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and feelings. Other common reasons why people engage in self-harm behaviours include self-punishment, self-distraction, getting relief, reducing tension or gaining a sense of being in control.","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_body","anchor":"","background_colour":"white","width":"2\/3","content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"rich_text","rich_text":"

Types of Self-Harm<\/h3>\r\nSelf-Harm can take many forms. Some people use the same method, while others use different methods at different times. Click the button below to read about different types of Self-Harm. If you are feeling vulnerable at the moment, you might not want to read the information below.<\/em><\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"button","link_or_file":"link","button":{"title":"Examples of self-harming behaviours","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Examples-of-self-harming-behaviours.pdf","target":"_blank"},"file":970,"file_link_text":"Examples of self-harming behaviours"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"standard","columns":"half","text_side":"left","image_or_video":"video","youtube_or_vimeo":"youtube","image":1255,"youtube_id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=AecNqFk8glo","vimeo_id":"","heading":"What are Suicidal Thoughts?","text":"Suicide is when someone intentionally ends their own life, often as a consequence of feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances.\r\n\r\nSuicidal Thoughts are thoughts of ending one\u2019s life. They can be passive i.e. the person has abstract thoughts about ending their life or feels that others would be better off without them; or they can be active i.e. the person thinks of specific methods of Suicide or makes a clear plan to end their life.","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"standard","columns":"half","text_side":"right","image_or_video":"video","youtube_or_vimeo":"youtube","image":1257,"youtube_id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oXMx_HL_ts8&feature=emb_title","vimeo_id":"","heading":"Why do people have Suicidal Thoughts?","text":"Suicidal Thoughts can occur for any number of reasons and often it can be a mixture of different things. People with Suicidal Thoughts may be experiencing a range of emotions, such as feeling hopeless, anxious, confused, useless or overwhelmed. Someone thinking about Suicide may feel that the pain and emotional distress they are facing is too much to cope with and that they have no other option than to end their life. The important thing to remember is that most people who attempt Suicide do not want to die, they want their pain to stop.","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_body","anchor":"","background_colour":"white","width":"2\/3","content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"rich_text","rich_text":"If you are thinking about Suicide or are recovering from a suicide attempt, please reach out for support \u2013 talk to someone you trust and feel comfortable with, such as a family member, friend, listening service, GP or other health professional. More information on recovery after a suicide attempt can be found here<\/a>. With the right support at the right time, people can overcome their difficulties.\r\n\r\nGet support now: Samaritans<\/a>\u00a0(24\/7)<\/strong>\r\n
\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a0116 123<\/a>\u00a0 Email: jo@samaritans.org<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"anchor","text":"tools"},{"acf_fc_layout":"tabs_with_sub_tabs","heading":"Tools for managing a crisis","intro":"These tools are not intended to replace therapy or professional advice. They are designed to help you cope with difficult feelings or situations that may arise. However, if you are really struggling please contact one of the emergency helplines provided or seek help from your GP.","tabs":[{"title":"Safety Box","overview":"A Safety Box has many names: happy box, hope box, emergency kit, crisis box \u2013 you can name it however you\u2019d like. A Safety Box can be your anchor when facing crisis. \r\n\r\nIt contains a collection of physical items, written reminders and simple grounding activities to help you find safe alternatives to self-harming and distract you from Suicidal Thoughts. By looking at the items in your box, you can learn to question and change any negative thoughts by being reminded of your previous successes, positive experiences and reasons for living.\r\n\r\nThe purpose of a Safety Box is to a) provide relief from stress, anxiety and overwhelm, b) prevent you from using unhealthy coping mechanisms, c) be personalised to your needs and preferences and d) remind you of reasons to live.","purpose":"Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts","time":"30 minutes ","resource_type":"none","instructions":"1. Grab a bag, box or any other container that you can turn into your own\u00a0personal Safety Box.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0Think about what makes you feel better when you are at a low point and what has helped you when you have self-harmed or had thoughts of suicide in the past.\r\n\r\nYou can use the PDF in the materials section\u00a0for ideas on what to include in your box. These can be items or activities that help you calm down or that distract you from your current situation.\r\n\r\nWe have also attached several helpful worksheets that you can fill out and put in your box alongside these items. Some of these are specifically designed for someone who self-harms or has Suicidal Thoughts, others can be helpful in both instances.\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n3. Whenever you feel the urge to self-harm or start to notice Suicidal Thoughts creeping in, you can use the box to help you feel better.\r\n\r\nKey things to consider:<\/span>\r\n\r\n1) Keep your Safety Box somewhere safe and accessible so that you can find it easily when you need it.\r\n\r\n2) If something in your Safety Box no longer brings you comfort or joy, remove and replace it with something that does.\r\n\r\n3) Your Safety Box should be personal to you. This is really important, as everyone responds differently to different things.","materials":[{"type":"download","file":983,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":985,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":984,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":986,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":987,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":441,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":858,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":989,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":882,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":988,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"app","file":null,"app":"https:\/\/www.my-therappy.co.uk\/app\/virtual-hope-box","link":"","video":"","title":"Virtual Hope Box","text":"Although the safety box is a helpful tool, it is sometimes difficult to keep it close at hand (e.g. when you are at work or on holiday). As an alternative you can download the Virtual Hope Box, a free smart phone application which allows you to keep a virtual collection of tools and activities for coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking.","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"Safety Plan ","overview":"A Suicide Safety Plan is a written plan that you create for yourself to keep you safe should life become overwhelming and you begin to experience thoughts of suicide. It can help you navigate your thoughts and feelings and manage any urges to act on them. \r\n\r\nFeeling suicidal is often the consequence of extreme emotional pain and distress combined with a lack of healthy strategies to handle these. Your Safety Plan can help you find ways of coping with the situation until you are safe. ","purpose":"Suicidal Thoughts","time":"30 minutes ","resource_type":"none","instructions":"Your Safety Plan involves three main parts:\r\n\r\n1) Identifying when your Suicidal Thoughts have been triggered.\r\n\r\n2) Activities you can do to keep yourself safe.\r\n\r\n3) Helplines and services you can access for further support.\r\n\r\nTry to create your Safety Plan at a time where you are\u00a0feeling well<\/strong>\u00a0and can\u00a0think clearly<\/strong>. It is a good idea to write your Safety Plan with the help of someone you trust and that knows you and your needs well. This could be a friend, family member, counsellor or social worker.\r\n\r\nOnce you have written your Safety Plan, keep it in a place where you can easily find it should you need it. If you have a Safety Box<\/strong>, you can also put a copy of your Safety Plan in there.\r\n\r\nShould you begin to experience Suicidal Thoughts, take out your Safety Plan and follow each of the steps that you previously outlined for yourself until you are feeling safe. Should you feel like you are losing control or experience strong urges to act on your Suicidal Thoughts, contact 999 for emergency help.\r\n\r\nLastly, while it is important that your Safety Plan is unique to you, it can be helpful to share it with people you trust. This can help them understand what you are going through, how they can best support you and how to hold you accountable should you face a crisis.","materials":[{"type":"download","file":989,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"Distraction Techniques","overview":"For some people it can be helpful to use Distraction Techniques or replacement behaviours when they want to self-harm and\/or experience Suicidal Thoughts. Different distraction techniques work for different people and the same type of distraction won\u2019t necessarily work for you every time. ","purpose":"Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts","time":"15 minutes","resource_type":"none","instructions":"The next time you feel like self-harming and\/or experience Suicidal Thoughts, take a moment and ask yourself why. Understanding your emotions can help you match how you act to how you are feeling. For example when feeling angry, physical activity such as going for a run may give you relief. When feeling numb, it might be helpful to do something that comforts you and gives you a pleasant sensation.\r\n\r\nOpen the PDF in the materials section for inspiration on Distraction Techniques you could use. You can print out the PDF and keep it somewhere accessible. If you have a Safety Box, you can also put a copy of the sheet in there.\r\n\r\nNote: it can be hard to focus on distractions if you haven\u2019t taken care of your basic needs first. Before starting a Distraction Technique, try to HALT\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>and ask yourself whether you are currently\u00a0H<\/strong>ungry,\u00a0A<\/strong>ngry,\u00a0L<\/strong>onely or\u00a0T<\/strong>ired.<\/em>","materials":[{"type":"download","file":987,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":991,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"link","file":null,"app":"","link":"https:\/\/hatw.co.uk\/things-to-try\/","video":"","title":"Heads Above The Waves ","text":"Find more Distraction Techniques.","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"app","file":null,"app":"https:\/\/calmharm.co.uk\/","link":"","video":"","title":"Calm Harm","text":"This is an app designed to help people resist or manage the urge to Self-Harm. It provides tasks that encourage you to distract yourself when you want to self-harm and can help you manage your negative emotions. It is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. ","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"app","file":null,"app":"https:\/\/www.expertselfcare.com\/health-apps\/distract\/","link":"","video":"","title":"DistrACT","text":"This app gives you easy access to information and advice about Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts. It encourages you to monitor and manage your symptoms, lists safer alternatives to self-harming and provides various resources to make you feel better. It is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. ","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"grid","heading":"Helplines & text services","subheading":"Below are helplines and text-based services that you can contact for support and advice should you struggle with either self-harming behaviours or Suicidal Thoughts.","background_colour":"","download":"","columns":"4","carousel":true,"grid_items":[{"image":454,"heading":"Samaritans","text":"(24\/7)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a0116 123<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":1033,"heading":"HOPELINEUK","text":"(9am-midnight, daily)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor Suicidal Thoughts (under 35s)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a00800 068 4141<\/a>\r\n","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/www.papyrus-uk.org\/hopelineuk\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":456,"heading":"Calm","text":"(5pm-midnight, daily)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a00800 58 58 58<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"http:\/\/www.thecalmzone.net\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":457,"heading":"Self Injury Support","text":"(7am-9:30pm, Tues & Thur)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor women who self-harm\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a00808 800 8088\u00a0<\/a>\r\n\r\nText:\u00a007537 432444<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":458,"heading":"Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)","text":"(9am-9pm, daily)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor anyone bereaved by Suicide<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a00300 111 5065<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/uksobs.org\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":459,"heading":"SOS","text":"(Hours vary)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor Suicidal Thoughts\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCall:\u00a00300 1020 505<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/sossilenceofsuicide.org\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":460,"heading":"Shout","text":"(24\/7)<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFor Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts<\/strong>\r\n\r\nText SHOUT to\u00a085258<\/a>","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/giveusashout.org\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"},{"image":461,"heading":"We Mind & Kelly Matters ","text":"(6pm-9pm, Mon, Wed & Fri)<\/strong>\r\nFor Suicidal Thoughts\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nLive Chat<\/a>\r\n","link":{"title":"Visit the website","url":"https:\/\/wemindandkellymatters.org.uk\/","target":"_blank"},"button_style":"black"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"full_width_image","image":176,"heading":"Download the helplines","heading_level":"h3","subheading":"You can see and download a full list of support services and helplines by clicking below.","subheading_level":"p","buttons":[{"button":{"title":"Download here","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Helplines-for-Self-Harm-Suicide.pdf","target":"_blank"}}],"curve_colour":"grey","character":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"support_services","heading":"Suicide support services","subheading":"Both recovering after a Suicide attempt and being bereaved by someone\u2019s Suicide can be painful experiences and can leave us with overwhelming emotions and unanswered questions. The organisations below provide extensive databases to help you find and access further support including peer-support groups, online support groups, talking therapies and counselling services.","background_colour":"brand","services":[{"title":"Self Injury Support (SIS)","link":"https:\/\/www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk\/support-groups","logo":457,"column_1":"What is SIS?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSIS works to\u00a0improve support and knowledge around self-injury. They run a UK-wide multi-channel support service for women and girls affected by self-injury, offer free information and self-help resources and promote better awareness.","column_2":"How to use it<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTheir website provides an extensive list of UK-wide support groups and other services. The types of support available vary depending on organisation and location but services include: talking therapies, peer support, advocacy, crisis care and more.\r\n\r\nTo access their database of services,\u00a0click here<\/a>\u00a0and find the support that works for you."},{"title":"Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)","link":"https:\/\/uksobs.org\/we-can-help\/local-support-groups\/?doing_wp_cron=1631779974.6926329135894775390625","logo":458,"column_1":"What is SOBS?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSOBS is a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone impacted by Suicide in the UK. They offer peer led support groups, virtual support groups, a national helpline and email support.\r\n\r\nThese services are run by the bereaved, for the bereaved. They\u00a0provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, giving and gaining support from each other.\r\n\r\nThe main SOBS website also provides a selection of resources for those bereaved by Suicide. You can access these at anytime by clicking here<\/a>.","column_2":"How to use it<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1. Open the SOBS support group finder. Enter your postcode in the \u2018type your address\u2019 search bar. You will be presented with a list of all the SOBS support groups near you.\r\n\r\n2. Choose the support group that is nearest to your home address and contact them for further information.\r\n\r\nNote: the locations for support groups shown are not precise. SOBS keeps their locations private, so please contact your nearest group to get the details of the exact location.<\/em>"},{"title":"Hub of Hope","link":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/find-local-support\/","logo":1872,"column_1":"What is the Hub of Hope?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Hub of Hope is\u00a0the UK\u2019s leading mental health support database, bringing a range of local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support services together in one place.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Hub is a signposting service designed to guide people towards appropriate support for their individual needs\/preferences. It is available to everyone, not just those who are in crisis, and allows individuals to search for services tailored to their particular concerns.<\/span>","column_2":"How to use it<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1. Enter your postcode in the location search bar or click on the \u201cclick to find nearby services\u201d button. You will then be presented with a list of all the mental health support services in your local area that are registered to the Hub of Hope.\r\n\r\n2. Use the filter buttons at the top of the page to refine your results according to service type e.g. NHS\/private sector and area of concern e.g. anxiety\/depression.\r\n\r\n3. Click on each service individually for further information on their exact location, opening hours and areas of expertise. Most services list their contact details alongside a link to their own website."}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"full_width_image","image":176,"heading":"More resources","heading_level":"h1","subheading":"Try other areas within MyMynd that are closely related to Self-Harm and Suicide.","subheading_level":"p","buttons":[{"button":{"title":"Explore Mindfulness resources","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/mindfulness-and-meditation\/","target":""}},{"button":{"title":"Explore Coping Strategies","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/coping-strategies\/","target":""}}],"curve_colour":"grey","character":""}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=306"}],"version-history":[{"count":112,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2411,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions\/2411"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2688"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}