Suicide and self harm

In 'Understanding self harm' (Mind) self-inflicted injury such as cutting or burning is described as a way of expressing very deep distress, of getting the pain out, of regaining some control over it or of distracting yourself from it. After self harming the person might be able to cope with life again – for a while. It is something that affects more women than men and is particularly associated with adolescence and young adults.

Self harm is usually a coping mechanism and is more about staying alive than attempting suicide. However, the risk of death, whether intentional or accidental, increases when people self harm.

Many people go to great lengths to hide the evidence of self harm from others so it is not necessarily something that you would be aware of, although you may know that the student is experiencing depression and anxiety or other mental health difficulties.

There has been considerable concern in recent years over the rates of suicide among students, although studies have shown that the rate is actually lower than in an age-matched general population. Nevertheless actual or attempted suicide by a student is a major and devastating event for a university community.