Film helps public understand self-harm

Dispelling myths about self-harm and encouraging better understanding are the aims of a new short film ‘Hurting to heal: exploring self-harm and recovery' funded by the 2012 Society's Public Engagement Grants.

'Hurting to Heal' will premier today at the University of Edinburgh to coincide with International Self-injury Awareness Day.  

Produced by HarmLESS Psychotherapy the short film explores the reasons for people engaging in self-harm behaviours, who may be affected by it and what we can do to help.

Maria Naranjo, Educational and Health Services Director of HarmLESS Psychotherapy, said:

“Every year around 250,000 people attend Accident and Emergency Departments across the UK due to self-inflicted injuries. We know this is only the tip of the iceberg as many people never seek medical attention. Self-harm is a taboo subject and people struggle with the idea. Particularly in the caring environment, where the lack of clear protocols and training leave staff feeling ill-prepared to support people who engage in self-harming behaviours. With this film we hope to remove some of the myths around self-harm and engage people at a personal and human level.”

In ‘Hurting to Heal’ Lora Coyle, a self-harmer, takes the viewer on an exploratory journey through the reasons that lead people to engage in self-harming behaviours and how we can offer support. 

Maria said: “This film is an introduction to the topic of self-harm and helps to open the conversation around effective support systems for people affected. We want to improve understanding that self-harm is a symptom of psychological distress and not necessarily a precursor to suicide.”

‘Hurting to Heal’ was produced by HarmLESS Psychotherapy in collaboration with Choose Life, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Mental Health Association, Shared Strengths and NHS Lothian with a 2011 BPS Public Engagement Grant. For more information about our Public Engagement Grants please visit the website.

HarmLESS Psychotherapy is a Social Enterprise Mental Health Educational Service founded in 2011. For more information contact info@harmlesspsychotherapy.com