Understanding Depression and Self Harm

Depression is a mental disorder that is more severe and longer-lasting than normal sadness. It interferes with parts of your life like work, school and relationships.

The symptoms are not always the same in every person, but can include:

• sadness that won’t go away
• boredom
• irritability or anxiety
• change in appetite or sleeping habits

Depression can be treated. The treatment may or may not involve medication, but it important to get professional help.

Self-harm is often a behavior that is used to cope with difficult situations. It might:

• provide a way to express difficult or hidden feelings
• express the need for help when you're unable to ask for it
• provide a feeling of control.

Self-harm may bring an immediate sense of relief, but it is not a long-term solution, and it can cause permanent damage to the body by injuring the nerves. 

More about Self-harm