Quick facts about self-harm
• Self-harm is the deliberate act of inflicting pain and/or physical harm on yourself, and can take a variety of forms
• Self-harming behaviour can affect any sector of society, but it is more common in adolescents, women, prisoners, drug abusers and minority groups as well as in those where mental health problems are present
• A 2002 survey by Keith Hawton, Professor of psychiatry and published in the British Medical Journal found that 6.9% of 15- to 16-year olds reported having self-harmed. Mind, the mental health charity, puts this number at 10%
• Girls are more likely than boys to self-harm (11.2% v 3.2% according to the same survey)
• Top reasons given for self-harming behavior are low self-esteem, traumatic life events, mental health problems and peers who self-harm.
If you need help with breaking the cycle of self-harm please do see the following pages
Further help
Self-harm top tips on breaking the cycle
Adult self-harm a real-life story
What is self-harm? A brief overview
Self-injury an intimate blog post
Blake Fielder Civil - Life after Amy Winehouse, recovery from drugs and self harm
External help
Borderline Personality Disorder help
We hope you have found this information useful, please also see
What is Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatments
Living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Real Life: Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder - Basic Facts from SANE
A tribute to tragic suicide victim Louise Wright
Family of Borderline Personality Disorder suicide victim speak out
