Harm minimisation is about giving people a choice - having knowledge isn't going to make someone self-injure, but it can lead to safer self-injury for those who are going to self-injure.

Information for all types of self-injury:
Avoid self-injuring when under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Be in a safe place where you can get help if needed
Keep clean (wash hands etc)
Be aware of the injuries and what damage might be done
Have first aid equipment nearby
Administer first aid
Ensure that you get medical attention if necessary ASAP

***TRIGGER WARNING***

Cutting:
If you self-injure by cutting it is important that you always used clean tools, and that you never share tools with anyone else (for risk of infection and disease).

It is useful to learn a bit about the body and its different parts, so that you know what damage you might be doing to yourself.

The deeper a cut, the more layers it goes through skin, fat, muscle, bone, veins, arteries, tendons and nerves. If you cut a tendon or major nerve then serious damage can be done. Tendon damage can result in permanent loss of the use of limbs (arms, legs, fingers). Nerve damage can result in permanent pain, and in the worse case paralysis. It is essential to get medical attention immediately.

There are ways in which the risk of long-term or permanent damage can be minimised. The location and direction of injury is more important than people might think, even more important in many cases than how deep a cut is. Structures (nerves and tendons etc) in arms and legs go downwards (from the top of your arm/leg to the bottom). Therefore if you cut across these, then there is danger that the nerves or tendons might be damaged beyond repair.

It is more safe to injure in areas where there is fat to protect nerves and tendons (avoid the wrist). There are increased risks of permanent damage if you are underweight. One way to minimise damage is to cut downwards. Damage can still be done to nerves and tendons, so it is NOT safe, but it is less risky.

Burning:

If you have burnt yourself you should run it under cold water for at least 10-20 minutes, or put it in a bowl of cold water. If you have burnt yourself with chemicals you must use running water (lukewarm, not cold) for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply any ointments or cream to any burns.

Some useful information about minor burns can be found here: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=2355&sectionId=11

There are three different types of burn - first, second and third. Information can be found here: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=2355

Overdosing:

Paracetamol overdoses are the most common overdoses in the UK. Paracetamol is called acetaminophen (and is the main ingredient in Tylenol) in the USA. Paracetamol can be extremely dangerous in overdose even in what might seem like small amounts. It can cause long term irreversible liver damage and death. If you are attempting suicide, taking an overdose of paracetamol is not a nice way to die, it is slow (it takes days) and painful. If you decide later that you no longer want to die, then it might be too late and the damage already done. Visit http://www.pharmweb.net for some facts about paracetamol overdose.

It is vital to get to A&E as soon as possible. The sooner you get there the less chance there is of long-term damage. It's normal to be scared and worry about what people might think, but if you don't get help people are going to find out anyway. At the point in time that you have taken an overdose don't worry about what might happen in the future, concentrate on making sure you get the right treatment now.

All overdoses are dangerous (other painkillers, anti-depressants, and other prescribed medications), and can result in death. In some cases they can be even more dangerous if taken in combination with alcohol and other drugs. It is essential that you let the medical professionals know exactly what you have taken.