If you are experiencing a mental health medical emergency, call 911
or go immediately to the closest emergency room.
Suicide prevention:
Risk factors, warning signs
to look out for
Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential support.
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Staff Picks to Read:
Cut
by Patricia McCormick
Cut by Patricia McCormick is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the sensitive topic of self-harm. The story follows 15-year-old Callie, who is admitted to Sea Pines, a residential treatment facility for girls struggling with various psychological issues. As Callie navigates the challenges of therapy and confronts the reasons behind her self-harming behavior, readers are given a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of mental health and the stigma surrounding it. The novel offers a poignant exploration of the impact of trauma, the power of friendship, and the journey towards self-acceptance and healing. With its candid and thought-provoking narrative, Cut provides a poignant and insightful portrayal of the struggles faced by those dealing with self-harm.
Self-Injury Awareness: Understanding, Supporting, and Healing
Credit: PsychPlus
March is recognized as Self-Injury Awareness Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about self-harm and the struggles that often go unnoticed. Many people who engage in self-injury do so in silence, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This month serves as a reminder that self-harm is not just a phase or an attention-seeking behavior but a real struggle that many individuals face.
Self-injury is more common than people realize, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It is often used as a coping mechanism for emotional pain, stress, or feelings of numbness. Despite how widespread it is, there is still a stigma surrounding self-harm, which can prevent those who need help from reaching out.
By increasing awareness and fostering open conversations, we can create a more supportive environment for those struggling. When people understand self-injury better, they can offer compassion rather than judgment, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
What is Self-Injury?
Self-injury, also known as self-harm or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to the act of deliberately hurting oneself as a way to cope with emotional distress. It is not always a sign of suicidal intent but rather a method some individuals use to manage overwhelming emotions, numbness, or feelings of lack of control.
There are different forms of self-harm, and they can vary from person to person. Some of the most common include:
Cutting: Using sharp objects to make cuts on the skin, often on areas that can be easily hidden.
Burning: Pressing hot objects or substances against the skin to create burns.
Hitting or Banging: Punching walls, hitting oneself, or deliberately causing bruises.
Scratching or Picking: Excessively scratching or picking at the skin to cause injury.
Hair Pulling: Pulling out hair, also known as trichotillomania, which can be a response to stress or anxiety.
For many people, self-injury is a way to release intense emotions or regain a sense of control when they feel overwhelmed. While it might provide temporary relief, it does not address the root cause of emotional distress, and over time, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and secrecy.
One of the biggest challenges with self-injury is the stigma surrounding it. Many individuals feel ashamed and fear being judged, so they hide their injuries and avoid seeking help. This secrecy can make the cycle of self-harm even harder to break. Recognizing that self-injury is a coping mechanism rather than a cry for attention is the first step in offering support and understanding to those who struggle with it.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: The Hidden Forms of Self-Harm
When people think of self-harm, they often picture cutting, burning, or hitting oneself—visible forms of injury. But self-harm isn’t always as clear to see. Self-sabotaging behaviors, like substance abuse, disordered eating, or reckless decision-making, are also ways people cope with emotional pain.
Some overlooked forms of self-harm include:
Substance abuse – Using drugs or alcohol to numb emotional pain.
Disordered eating – Restricting, bingeing, or purging as a way to regain control.
Toxic relationships – Seeking out or staying in harmful relationships due to low self-worth.
Reckless behavior – Engaging in dangerous activities without concern for consequences.
Self-sabotage – Sabotaging success in work, school, or personal goals due to fear of failure or unworthiness.
These behaviors might not always leave a physical scar, but they can be just as damaging. Recognizing self-sabotage as a form of self-harm is an important step toward breaking unhealthy cycles and finding healthier ways to cope. No matter how self-harm manifests, help is available, and healing is possible.
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