The 1 March 2012 is designated worldwide as Self-Injury Awareness Day - raising awareness about self-injury and self-harm.

Self-harm is an issue which is still largely hidden.  Many people hurt themselves without ever telling anyone else, fearful of how others will respond.  Some people self-injure as a coping mechanism - harming themselves physically to release tension, deal with emotional pain, or seek relief from distress.

Fife Adult Protection Committee aims to ensure the provision of support and protection to adults at risk of harm, enabling them to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives within their community.   Part of the Committee’s work has been to develop the Act Against Harm Campaign, which raises awareness of what harm is, and how to report it.  Harm can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect or self-harm.  

Recently hosting a conference for managers and practitioners across Fife, where self harm was one of the key topics, the Adult Protection Committee’s Independent Chair, John Myles said:

“All adults have a right to be safe and free from harm.  Awareness of what constitutes adult harm still needs to be highlighted to the public.  It’s also important to realise that this includes self-harm and self-injury but just as important is to let people know that there is help and support available such as our helpline.”    

There are many different forms of self-harm and they are not always easy to notice.

People who self-harm usually try to keep it a secret from their friends and family and often injure themselves in places that can be hidden easily by clothing.

If you suspect that a friend or relative is self-harming, look out for any of the following signs:

• unexplained cuts, bruises or cigarette burns, usually on their wrists, arms, thighs and chest
• keeping themselves fully covered at all times, even in hot weather
• signs of depression, such as low mood, tearfulness or a lack of motivation or interest in anything
• changes in eating habits or being secretive about eating, and any unusual weight loss or weight gain
• signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they are not good enough for something
• signs they have been pulling out their hair
• signs of alcohol or drug misuse

If you have concerns about an adult at risk who self-harms, you can call the Adult Protection Phoneline on 01383 602200. 

FirstSigns is an organisation which provides support and information on self-injury, and their information can be accessed through our website: www.fifedirect.org.uk/adultprotection.  You’ll find information under the ‘Keeping Safe’ section.