Self-help books

This section contains a sample of books that will be helpful to young people who self-harm and their friends and families. Many of these publications will also be useful to professionals and students wanting to gain a better understanding of self-harm.

> Bright red scream
This book is based on a series of interviews with people aged 15-53. Clearly explained theory behind self-harm.

> Cutting: understanding and overcoming self-mutilation
Written by a US psychotherapist, this book looks at the reasons why people self-harm and how they can be helped.

> For Friends and Family
Booklet which aims to help friends and family of self-harmers.

> Healing the hurt within
Helps understand and relieve the suffering behind self-destructive behaviour.

> Hurt yourself less workbook
A comprehensive workbook written by people who self-harm for people who self-harm.

> Hurting Inside
Aims to help young people deal with problems they may have had as a result of physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect and make positive changes in their lives.

> Look beyond the scars
Frequently asked questions

> Love Yourself
Affirmation cards intended by the artist to encourage the reader to listen to themselves

> Mental health and growing up: deliberate self-harm
This is one in a series of factsheets for parents, teachers and young people from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

> Scarred soul: understanding and ending self-inflicted
This book helps people who self-harm understand the reasons why they feel the need to hurt themselves and to take steps to change their behaviour.

> Self-harm help book
Practical ideas based on the experiences of people who self-harm.

> Self-help for self-injury
Aims to help people understand and tackle the causes that make them want to hurt themselves.

> Self-harm: young people speaking out
Written by young people who self-harm, this book offers advice on coping strategies.

> The Rainbow Journal
A self-help tool for young people who self-harm, includes artwork, quotes and poems as well as blank pages for writing about your feelings.

> the truth about self-harm...
...for young people and their friends and families - A booklet based on the evidence given by young people to the National Inquiry into Self-Harm.

> Understanding self-harm
Clearly written booklet explaining why young people self-harm and where to get help.

> Understanding self-injury
An introduction for those who self-harm, professionals and anyone else who wants to understand self-harm.

> What’s the harm?
Covers the facts for young people who self-harm.

> Worried about self-injury?
Clear and informative booklet.