Information for students about self-harm and the support available
Updated on: 13 June 2024
Managing an urge to self-harm and finding help to develop long-term coping strategies.
Self-harm is when we deliberately hurt ourselves to relieve emotional distress. It can also be used to provide a sense of relief from overwhelming situations or distressing memories and experiences.
It is important to take care of your self-harm injuries by using first aid.
Students who use self-harm as a coping strategy may feel shame and despair.
Alternatives to self-harm can involve delaying the urge by distracting ourselves with soothing activities. It helps if these activities distract us with movements, such as making a cup of tea or drawing.
This will not solve the problem but can delay the urge to self-harm.
If you self-harm, it is important to reach out to develop long-term coping strategies.
It is important to speak to your doctor if you self-harm or feel the urge to self-harm.
How the University can help
Student Services offer a range of help including specialist support and resources for your wellbeing and mental health.
Other places to find help
- LifeSIGNS, a charity in the UK that offers help to people affected by self-harm, has .
- The NHS offers on mental health topics including self-harm.
- Mind, a mental health charity in the UK, offers .
Links to external sites and information
The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.