Working with Self-Injury LifeLink North Glasgow
Self-Injury in Scotland In North Glasgow, A&E admissions for selfinjury and suicide is 68% higher than the national average On average, in every Secondary Class room in the UK there will be two young people who have hurt themselves as a response to the pressures of growing up in an increasingly complex and challenging world
Some Definitions Suicide An act of deliberate self-harm which results in death Deliberate Self-Harm An act which is intended to cause self-harm, but which does not result in death. The person committing an act of D.S.H. may, or may not have intended to take there own life. the distinction between suicide and self harm is important, not only because of the obvious differences in outcomes (death versus survival) but also for the preventative and remedial responses that are required Scottish Executive (2001)
Some definitions It would not be appropriate to regard all D.S.H. behaviour as suicidal behaviour. Indeed, the majority of people who self-harm do not go on to take their own life Choose Life (2002)
Self-Harm Continuum Self-Harm Always putting own need last Habitual overworking Not looking after one s health Self isolation Eating disorder Scrubbing oneself harmfully Abuse of alcohol Pulling out hair Swallowing harmful substances Cutting, scratching, burning Hanging/jumping Suicide Life Self-Harm: as a means to live Self-Harm: as a means to death Death
Feelings that trigger self-injury deadness, numbness desperation, sadness, hopelessness, grief powerlessness, frustration guilt, shame, dirtiness fear, panic, tension unheard, unsupported
Self-injury Over and over again, the young people we have heard from told us that their experience of asking for help often made their situation worse. Many of them have met with ridicule or hostility from the professionals they have turned to. Truth Hurts (2006)
What is Helpful No no Self-harm Contracts View Self-Injury as a Coping Skill Assess For and Talk about Self-Injury Maintain Clear boundaries and be Consistent Minimise reinforcement of Self-Injurious behaviour
What is working? Counselling: What many people say they want is the opportunity to understand and to resolve the feelings that give rise to their selfinjury, through talking on a regular basis to someone who will listen, accept and support them Support Groups Practical Help Crisis Support
Don t get complacent! The unhelpful therapies that I have endured were usually the result of a therapist who thought they knew what it was I needed. Therapists need to have more faith in the client Female Healing the hurt within Jan Sutton
Impact on the Worker Of all disturbing patient behaviours, selfmutilation is the most difficult for clinicians to understand and to treat the typical clinician (myself included) treating a patient who selfmutilates is often left feeling a combination of helpless, horrified, guilty, furious, betrayed, disgusted and sad Frances (1987)
Look after yourself! It s not an easy task and it can affect us psychologically and physiologically Maintain regular supervision Become aware if having impact on professional/personal life
Summary Self-injury is a problem for many people Self-injury is typically a symptom of a more serious or deeply rooted problem Empathy, understanding, compassion and time No Self-harm policy causes more harm than good Ensure there is a structure in place at work for support
Personal Testimony Female Client One-to-one support Non-judgmental Safe Welcome Self-harm reduction Confidence Nurtured and loved Emotional Support
LifeLink LifeLink Millburn Centre 221 Millburn Street Roystonhill G21 2Hl Tel: 0141-548-1515 www.lifelink.org.uk