A set of key messages forms the core of the campaign:
Core key messages
• Reports show that 1 in 15 teenagers self-harm but the true figure could be even higher
• Self harm is a sign of emotional distress
• Cutting is one form of self harm; others include burning, hitting, bruising or poisoning
• Self harm is more common in adolescence and young adulthood than most people realise
• It affects girls and boys
• Young people who self-harm experience a lot of stigma
Young people/ peers
• A young person who self-harms is more likely to tell a friend than anyone else they know
• It’s important to support your friends and be there for them through difficult times
• If a friend tells you that they self-harm, don’t be afraid; the best thing you can do is just listen
• If you are worried about a friend who self-harms, ask someone you trust for advice
• If you feel out of your depth, don’t be afraid to ask an adult or professional for advice
• Bullying someone because they self-harm makes them feel even worse than they do already
* The ‘see me’ young people campaign primarily targets 12-18 year olds but is designed to appeal to an even wider audience.
For more information on self-harm, eating disorders and other mental health diagnosis then click here to view our factsheets or click here for the Just Like Me Website.