Self-harm and related issues

Self-harm or self-injury is any action that people choose to do to hurt themselves. Men and women of all ages and from all cultural backgrounds self-harm.

This includes cutting, burning, scratching, hair-pulling, hitting or biting, eating disorders and taking drugs or alcohol to hurt rather than for pleasure.

People self-harm for many reasons including as a means of coping with mood or emotions, as a way of expressing feelings they cannot talk about, as a control means or as self punishment.

A collection of books, leaflets, self-help books and videos has been developed in partnership between Shropshire Council Community Services (Mental Health), Shropshire Libraries and South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in consultation with service users and MIND Shropshire.

The collection is to raise awareness, and help people who self harm, their families and friends to find information and support. It also includes books and information on related issues such as eating disorders, bullying, domestic violence, painful experiences of childhood abuse or loss. Books to help build self-esteem and confidence are also included.

The list of resources can be downloaded from this page. Most of the collection can be borrowed but some items can only be used as reference and can be seen at the Library at the Lantern. Follow the link for information about opening times. The items that can be borrowed can be requested from any Shropshire Libraries service point.

Many organisations both regional and national offer advice and support to people who self-harm and to their families and friends. The Library at the Lantern has a resource base of some of the many organisations, both regional and national, who offer advice and support to people who self-harm and to their families and friends. Follow the links to some of the organisations who have web-based information.

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