We previously conducted a research project aimed at understanding self-harm amongst University students. We used an online survey, as well as one-to-one interviews, to gain a greater understanding of student self-harm. We have put together some key messages from students which we felt may be helpful to share with friends & family who may want to understand more about what may be happening for someone close to you.
- One in four University students will experience mental health difficulties during their time of study1.
- University is often an overwhelming time due to academic and day-to-day pressures. Isolation was particularly difficult and often led to an increase in self-harm.
- Students often felt that no one understood self-harm or what was they were going through, with many having negative experiences due to stigma and hostility associated with self-harm. Students explained that if people focused less on the actual self-harming behaviour, and more on what was happening for them at an emotional level, that this would be a lot more helpful. (see section – What is Self-Harm?).
- Students described several key emotions that were often associated with self-harming:
- Isolation
- Loneliness
- Feeling unable to cope with academic pressures
- Feeling ‘numb’ and unable to connect with their emotions – with self-harm allowing them to feel something
References
1 Smith, M (2016). One in four students suffer from mental health problems. Retrieved from https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2016/08/09/quarter-britains-students-are-afflicted-mental-hea
Top Tips
If you see a fellow student or friend who you think may be struggling, try to reach out and offer a supportive chat. Maybe invite them along to a social event of offer to take them for a coffee if they feel up to this.
Students engaging in self-harm told us that having someone to talk to and feeling like someone had recognised them really went a long way.