Have you experienced self-harm?

Posted February 08th 2018

The UK has the highest self-harm rate of any country in Europe with estimates of 400 in 100,000 people who self-harm. So, how can we make a difference?

I work as part of a new study, based in Swansea, called Self-harm Research UK (SHARE UK).

SHARE UK is led by Professor Ann John and through our research, we aim to improve support for everyone affected by self-harm through giving people a voice to share their experiences.

Self-harm is when somebody intentionally harms or injures themselves. This is often a way of coping with or expressing feelings and emotions that become overwhelming and overpowering to the individual.

Most self-harm research is conducted in healthcare settings. We’re aware that most people do not seek help from health care services, which leaves a lot of people with no say in research about self-harm and what they think would work for them.

We want to change this.

Taking part

Every part of the study can be completed online and is completely anonymous. If you are aged 16 or over and have ever harmed yourself you can sign up.

Once you’ve signed up you will be asked some questions about yourself and you’ll have the option of filling in some questionnaires.

We’re hoping to learn more about the ways the internet can be helpful. We also want to learn more about potential risks. The more you can tell us about the better.

You can also tell us about things you’ve looked at online. This can be anything from Facebook groups, to online news or support sites.

The role of the internet in self-harm is a growing area of research and debate. There are concerns over harmful content, triggering material and bullying but we know there is also a great opportunity for support, community and information.

We’re aware that databases of online information created for research are rapidly outdated. We’ve made it possible for you to upload online resources (the good and the bad!) allowing them to be studied in real time.

Our research register

We have also set up the UK’s first self-harm research register. While this is separate from our study, you can choose to join the register when you sign up.

By signing up to the research register you have the opportunity to take part in any future studies run by our research team.

This is the first register of its kind in the UK. We hope that being able to sign up online will give everyone a voice in research in a way that hasn’t previously been possible.

To learn more visit our website or email us at shareuk@swansea.ac.uk

Support

• selfharmUK
• Harmless
• LifeSIGNS
• Self-injury Support