Sometimes it can be hard to know how to cope with our feelings or how to manage things that are really upsetting us. We might also find it hard to talk about our feelings or what is on our mind.

Sometimes young Travellers who feel this way hurt themselves on purpose as a way to release their feelings and try to feel better. This is called deliberate self-harm or DSB for short.

Deliberate Self-harm is only a temporary release of feelings – meaning that you will feel better only for a short while but then the feelings will come back. You could also accidentally hurt yourself badly. This is why it is best to find out what the cause of your feelings are and try to solve the problem.

For example, some young Travellers self-harm because they are feeling distressed about being bullied, discriminated against,
family problems, community conflict or they feel anxious.

• It is important that you do not keep this behaviour and how you are feeling to yourself.
• You are not alone and many other young Travellers who have experiences like you in life also find things hard to deal with from time to time.

• Talk to a parent, family member, other Travellers, teacher, youth-worker, school counsellor or priest.
• If you do not want to talk in person you could send someone a text, an email, a message via Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat or a letter. You can share as much information as you are comfortable starting off with.
• Remember to give that person time to take on board what you have shared and think about how they can help.
• You can also talk to your GP who can help refer you to the right support services for help.
• Your GP can also help with any injuries that you might have from self-harming. Make sure not to wait if you have any injuries. The sooner you get treatment the better to avoid any infections. It is important to go to A & E if your injuries need immediate medical treatment.