What It Is

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Self harm is when someone intentionally injures themselves. People who self harm may or may not have suicidal thoughts. Self harm is typically a coping method. Cutting is a common form of self injury, when someone uses a sharp object to induce bleeding. People often cut on their forearms, wrists, thighs, and hips. Burning is also a common form of self injury, which is when someone intentionally burns themselves. Hitting is when someone intentionally hits themselves or bangs their limbs against something. Hitting can break bones and burst blood vessels. Other forms of self harm include interfering at healing wounds, and ingesting toxic substances.

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Warning Signs

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• scars

• fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, or other wounds

• excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn

• keeping sharp objects at hand

• wearing long sleeves and pants, even in hot weather

• difficulties in relationships

• behavioral and emotional instability

• statements of helplessness, worthlessness, and/or hopelessness

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Alternatives to Self Harm

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• snapping a rubber band against your wrist

• drawing in the area in which you wish to injure

• distracting yourself

• talking to someone about it

• holding an ice cube in your hand

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Hotlines & Websites for Support

 

Adolescent Suicide Hotline: 800-621-4000

 

Adolescent Crisis Intervention & Counseline Nineline: 1-800-999-9999

 

crisistextline.org: text “START” to 741- 741

 

Gay & Lesbian Trevor HelpLine Suicide Prevention: 1-800-850-8078

 

For help finding a therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

Self-Injury (Information Only) – 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)

*Note: this is NOT a crisis line; it is for information and referrals only

 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

 

Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-850-8078 *Note: this hotline specializes in gay and lesbian youth suicide prevention

 

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

 

Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-HIT-HOME

 

imalive.org – If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, you can chat with a volunteer. It is free and confidential.

 

suicide.org – Provides information and support and hotlines to call if you are suicidal.

 

nami.org – NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) is an organization that provides information on mental illness and shares the stories of many people. You can choose to share your story as well.

 

mentalhealth.gov – Provides U.S. government mental health information and support.

 

ok2talk.org – An online outlet for people to share their own stories and find support.

 

thenationalcouncil.org – This is the website for the National Council for Mental Health. It has information about mental illnesses and articles on other topics.