If you self-harm, you are putting yourself at risk of infection, shock, permanent damage to your muscle tissue, severe blood loss and even death. There is no way around this. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the risks. The most important is making sure your injuries are adequately cared for. For more information on this, see our First Aid page.
The following links provide information on some of the main risks of self-harm, and what you can do to reduce these risks.
If you don’t feel ready to stop
Some advice on looking after yourself and taking care of your injuries.
Medical concerns for people who cut
Essential information on dehydration and anaemia.
Cutting the Risk
How do I not cut an artery? Talk about my scars? Not harm so badly? This book offers frank answers to questions like these.