Cutting
If you have cut yourself deeply and cannot stop bleeding you should immediately call 999 or make your way to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
I'm trying not to cut but I'm finding it hard to resist
Try to find ways to relax that work for you, if you can reduce your anxiety the impulse to cut will also reduce. You can find some relaxation exercises and podcasts here. Remind yourself of the reasons why you don't want to cut - explain to the part of your brain that is encouraging you to cut why you don't want to do it.
Distract yourself - Creativity is a powerful tool against despair. This doesn't have to be about making something. Whatever lifts you out of your pain and makes you feel good is creative. If you feel like it, try drawing or painting how you feel. Some people draw on themselves, using bright body colours
Exercise can help reduce your anxiety, raise your mood and make it easier to manage your feelings
Talk to someone - there are a number of helplines dedicated to supporting people who self harm. Click here for a list of numbers.
Stay safe - if you do self harm stay within safe limits - use a clean blade and clean and dress your cuts afterwards. Our nurses or your GP can give you advice on minimising and caring for your injuries.
You can find more advice and guidance on these websites
thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/selfharm
Support at University
The Student Wellbeing Service can offer a range of support to students who are self harming.
We work collaboratively with students who self harm in a manner which is safe, non judgemental and allows you to remain in control of your own decisions.
We will support students who self harm to
- Identify the function(s) of their self harm
- Identify the positive and negative impacts of their self harm
- Set their own goals for change where appropriate and desired
- Identify the support that they need
- Identify risks and strategies to reduce risk
We will also provide advice, information and guidance, counselling, first aid, dressings, nursing intervention and or access to appropriate external services.
You can find our contact details here.
