Self Harm-Awareness Month

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to break the silence around self-injury and provide hope to those struggling. Many people engage in self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain, but with the right support, healing is possible. Self-harm is a difficult but important topic that affects millions of people worldwide. 

Understanding Self-Harm

Self-harm refers to deliberately injuring oneself, often as a way to manage overwhelming emotions. It is not a mental illness itself, but it is closely linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The Reality of Self-Harm

Self-harm refers to deliberately injuring oneself, often as a way to cope with emotional pain, distress, or overwhelming feelings. It is not a mental illness itself but is commonly linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and trauma.

Here are some key facts about self-harm:

• About 17% of all people will self-harm during their lifetime. This includes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and genders, though it is most commonly reported among teenagers and young adults.
• The average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13. Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time, as young people navigate emotional, social, and psychological changes.
• 45% of people who self-harm use cutting as their method of injury. Other methods include burning, hitting, scratching, and hair-pulling.
• Around 50% of people seek help, but only from friends instead of professionals. Many people struggling with self-harm do not reach out to therapists, doctors, or counselors due to fear, shame, or stigma.

Why Do People Self-Harm?

Self-injury is often used as a way to manage emotions, such as:

• Feeling numb or disconnected from reality
• Experiencing intense sadness, anger, or anxiety
• Coping with past trauma or abuse
• Feeling a lack of control over life circumstances

While it may provide temporary relief, self-harm does not address the underlying emotional pain and can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences.

What Self-Harm Is NOT

Self-harm isn’t a cry for attention, a phase, or a choice made for drama—it’s a serious coping mechanism used by people in deep emotional distress. It isn’t a suicide attempt, though it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts if left unaddressed. It isn’t something someone can simply "stop" without proper support, as it often becomes a compulsive behavior tied to underlying mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, or OCD. Most importantly, self-harm isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal that someone is struggling and needs understanding, compassion, and help.

How to Help Someone Who Self-Harms

If you know someone who self-harms, here are some ways to support them:

• Listen without judgment. Create a safe space where they feel heard and validated.
• Encourage professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide coping strategies that are healthier and more effective.
• Check in regularly. Let them know they are not alone and that their feelings matter.
• Avoid ultimatums or punishment. Self-harm is not a behavior that can simply be stopped overnight—it requires compassion and professional support.

OCD and Self-Injury: What You Should Know

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often associated with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, but many people don’t realize that self-harm can also be a symptom of OCD.

Some individuals with OCD experience self-harm compulsions—an uncontrollable urge to engage in self-injury, often to relieve distress or to satisfy obsessive thoughts. These behaviors may be tied to

• Compulsions related to intrusive thoughts (e.g., harming oneself to "neutralize" an obsessive fear)
• Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like skin-picking, hair-pulling, or excessive nail-biting
• Self-punishment linked to perfectionism and guilt, which can be prominent in OCD

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD and self-injury, seeking professional help is crucial. Treatments like therapy (ERP – Exposure and Response Prevention) and medication can provide relief and healthier coping mechanisms.

Check out our Free Resources

We have created conversation guides, eBooks, and sharing other mental health resources that can help someone suffering from self-harm or self-injury. You can view these resources on our 266K Project page.

Self-Harm Quotes & Sayings to Raise Awareness

Sometimes, words can be a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles:

• “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
• “Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” – Mariska Hargitay
• “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman
• “You were never meant to suffer in silence.” – Unknown

Join the Conversation During Self-Harm Awareness Month

This Self-Harm Awareness Month, let’s raise awareness, offer support, and create safe spaces for those who need it. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember—help is available, and healing is possible.

Share this post to help spread awareness. You never know who might need it.