When you have the urge to self injure try distractions first, self harm really should be your last resort. If you want to stop self harming take a look at our factsheet in the related links box.

Distract yourself

The best initial method of preventing yourself from self harming is distraction. Here are some distraction methods that have worked for TheSite.org users:

• Concentrating on something happy in the future, such as a holiday;
• Good friends, good times, laughter;
• Writing in a journal;
• Listening to music;
• Beating the living daylights out of pillows or cushions;
• Screaming and shouting;
• Exercise;
• Alternate harming techniques that don't leave a mark such as holding ice cubes in the crook of the elbow, or drawing on the skin where you'd usually cut with red pen.
• Having a bath;
• Phoning a friend;
• Writing a diary.

If you are going to harm yourself:

• Avoid drugs and alcohol as these can make you do more damage than you intended
• Get your tetanus vaccination up to date. Check with your GP.
• Try to avoid doing it when in hysterics as you may cause more damage than you intended.
• Know basic first-aid.

1. Cuts

Do:

• Use new blades each time, or at the very least make sure they are clean;
• Clean the wound under running tap water and don't use antiseptic;
• Stay away from your wrists;
• Pat the area dry with a clean towel;
• Apply a sterile, non-stick, adhesive dressing;
• Learn coping skills, through therapy for example, on how to handle the urges to cut;
• Use Vitamin E or some kind of scar reducing cream to help minimise the scars.

Don't:

• Cut too deep;
• Clean up with tissue/cotton wool - use a sterile wipe. 

First aid:

Small cuts: If you cut yourself use something clean to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid areas where there are large veins/arteries. Wash and apply a sterile dressing.

Large cuts and abrasions:

• Look for embedded objects, such as broken glass, but do not remove them as they could be preventing more severe blood loss, leave them for the doctor or nurse to sort out;
• Apply a sterile dressing and direct pressure;
• Elevate the wound above the area of your heart to help slow the bleeding down;
• Apply pressure to the cut;
• If the bleeding is serious call 999;
• If bleeding continues apply new dressings on top of the old ones;
• Avoid using antiseptic creams/lotions;
• Seek medical help for deep cuts, especially if they don't stop bleeding;
• Shock may occur if you lose a lot of blood or if you have severe burns. Seek medical help or call an ambulance if necessary.

Is my cut infected? If it is the outside area of the cut/gash will be hot, swollen and hard. It may have pus leaking and you may have a temperature. Seek medical help.

2. Burns and scalds

• Cool any burn under cold running water for 10-15 minutes;
• Dress the affected area with clean sterile non-fluffy material;
• If the burn is larger than a 50 pence coin or runs deep into the skin seek medical attention;
• Do not apply: lotions, creams, ointments, adhesive dressings, cotton wool;
• Dont break any blisters.

3. Poisoning (drugs overdose etc.)

• If you have poisoned yourself notify someone straight away;
• If you find someone else who you suspect has poisoned themselves place the casualty in recovery position and call for help (999);
• Monitor airway breathing and circulation;
• Dont try and induce vomiting.

Further help

In an emergency call 999 and ask for ambulance services, or go straight to the nearest hospital's Accident and Emergency department. A&E departments may have a 'psychiatric liaison nurse' available during office hours for people attending A&E with self injury. Other departments may also have 'deliberate self harm' social workers as a part of their service. These professionals may offer a few counselling sessions or referrals. If you wish to see one of these, inform the triage nurse when you arrive at A&E.

If you feel the situation is less serious go to see your GP (doctor) or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

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