Dispelling myths about self-harm and encouraging better understanding is the aim of a new short film ‘Hurting to heal: exploring self-harm and recovery' funded by the 2012 Society's Public Engagement Grants.
'Hurting to Heal' will premier on 1 March at the University of Edinburgh to coincide with International Self-injury Awareness Day.
Produced by HarmLESS Psychotherapy the short film explores the reasons for people engaging in self-harm behaviours, who may be affected by it and what we can do to help.
Maria Naranjo, Educational and Health Services Director of HarmLESS Psychotherapy, said:
“Every year around 170,000 people attend Accident and Emergency Departments across the UK due to self-inflicted injuries. We know this is only the tip of the iceberg as many people never seek medical attention. Self-harm is a taboo subject and people struggle with the idea. Particularly in the caring environment, where the lack of clear protocols and training leave staff feeling ill-prepared to support people who engage in self-harming behaviours. With this film we hope to remove some of the myths around self-harm and engage people at a personal and human level.”
In ‘Hurting to Heal’ Lora Coyle, a self-harmer, takes the viewer on an exploratory journey through the reasons that lead people to engage in self-harming behaviours and how we can offer support.
Maria said: “This film is an introduction to the topic of self-harm and helps to open the conversation around effective support systems for people affected. We want to improve understanding that self-harm is a symptom of psychological distress and not necessarily a precursor to suicide.”
The launch is free to attend and places are still available; please register your interest on their registration website.
‘Hurting to Heal’ was produced by HarmLESS Psychotherapy in collaboration with Choose Life, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Mental Health Association, Shared Strengths and NHS Lothian with a 2011 BPS Public Engagement Grant. For more information about our Public Engagement Grants please visit the website.
HarmLESS Psychotherapy is a Social Enterprise Mental Health Educational Service founded in 2011. For more information contact info@harmlesspsychotherapy.com
HarmLESS Psychotherapy is a Social Enterprise Mental Health Educational Service founded in 2011. For more information contact info@harmlesspsychotherapy.com
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