Individuals use self-harm to deal with emotions or life events that threaten to overwhelm them and is an attempt to survive rather than end their lives.  The self-harm releases powerful chemicals in the brain that calm them and either allows them to numb their feelings or to feel real and alive.  It also gives the individual a sense of control or power.

Reasons why people become overwhelmed:

	Lack of skills to deal with powerful emotions
	Stressful environment at work or school e.g. bullying, competition, multi-tasking lifestyle
	Divorce, bereavement or terminal illness within the family
	Low self-esteem and peer pressure
	Physical, mental or sexual abuse
	Other life events: for example foster care or prison

'Out of harm's way' is a DVD featuring seven short documentaries exploring the meaning of self harm and the factors which lead to recovery.

The full DVD is available to purchase from 

http://www.harmless.org.uk