Self-harm
Support for anyone hurting themselves as a way of coping, or supporting someone who is.
What it is
Self-harm is usually a way of coping with overwhelming feelings, not an attempt at suicide, though the two can sometimes overlap. It's more common than people assume, especially among youth, and responding with shame tends to make it worse, not better.
Good to know
If you're supporting someone who self-harms, the most useful thing you can do is stay calm and curious about what they're coping with, rather than focusing only on stopping the behaviour itself — the underlying feeling is the actual target.
What helps
Therapy that addresses the underlying distress, rather than just the behaviour, is more effective long-term than willpower or punishment-based approaches. Crisis lines and counselling are both appropriate starting points, depending on urgency. And if an injury is deep, won't stop bleeding, or you're unsure how serious it is, treat it like any other injury and get medical care — there's no shame in that.
When to seek help
If self-harm is frequent, escalating, or feels out of control, reach out to 811 or a counsellor. If there's any thought of suicide alongside it, treat it with the same urgency — call or text 988.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.