Short film exploring recovery and self-harm is now freely available in english and spanish

EDINBURGH, Scotland - Aug. 22, 2013 - PRLog -- Dispelling myths about self-harm and encouraging better understanding is the aim of a new short film ‘Hurting to heal’ premiered on the 1 March in Edinburgh. Available in You Tube in the next week.

The film explores the reasons for people engaging in self-harm behaviours, who may be affected by it and what we can do to help.

Produced by HarmLESS Psychotherapy and funded by the British Psychological Society’s Public Engagement Grants ‘Hurting to Heal’ was launched on the 1 March to coincide with International Self-injury Awareness Day.

Maria Naranjo, Educational and Health Services Director of HarmLESS Psychotherapy, said:

“Every year around 250,000 people attend Accident and Emergency Departments across the UK due to self-inflicted injuries and/or self-poisoning. 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 person with lived experience of self-harm 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 manifestation of psychological distress and not necessarily a precursor to suicide.”