AFN Self-Harm Resources

Understanding Self-Harm

Self-harm, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the act of deliberately harming one’s own body as a way to cope with emotional distress, anxiety, or overwhelming feelings.

While self-harm is not necessarily a suicide attempt, it is often linked to mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders.

Many who engage in self-harm suffer in silence due to stigma and shame, making it crucial to foster awareness, education, and support. Healing is possible, and no one should feel alone in their journey.

AFN Self-Harm Resources

Why Do People Engage in NSSI?

People who engage in self-harm may use it as a way to:

  • Release emotional pain or overwhelming emotions
  • Feel something instead of emotional numbness
  • Regain a sense of control over their emotions
  • Punish themselves due to feelings of guilt or self-hate
  • Express emotions that feel too difficult to put into words

While self-harm may provide temporary relief, it does not address the root causes of distress and can lead to more serious mental health challenges if left untreated.

Who is at Risk for NSSI?

NSSI can affect anyone, but it is most common in adolescents and young adults.

Risk factors include:

  • History of trauma or abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
  • Mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or BPD)
  • Substance use disorders
  • Low self-esteem or negative self-image
  • Difficulty managing emotions or stress
  • Social isolation or bullying

How to Recognize the Signs of Self-Harm

Self-harm can take many forms, including cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, hair pulling, or other forms of self-injury. It may be hidden due to feelings of guilt, fear of judgment, or embarrassment.

Common warning signs include:

  • Frequent unexplained injuries (cuts, burns, bruises)
  • Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather
  • Avoiding activities that reveal skin (e.g., swimming, sports)
  • Keeping sharp objects or tools for self-injury
  • Mood swings, depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal
  • Expressions of self-hate or feelings of worthlessness

Is NSSI a Suicide Attempt?

While NSSI is not necessarily a suicide attempt, it can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors over time. Many people who self-harm experience feelings of hopelessness, and without proper support, self-injury can escalate into more dangerous behaviors.

That’s why early intervention, therapy, and support systems are essential.

AFN Self-Harm Resources

Raising Awareness About Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a widespread but often misunderstood mental health concern. Many people who self-harm do so as a way to cope with emotional distress, not as a suicide attempt. However, because self-harm is highly stigmatized, individuals who struggle with NSSI often suffer in silence, feeling ashamed or afraid to seek help.

March is self harm awareness month

What is Self-Injury Awareness Month?

Self-Injury Awareness Month is recognized every March as a time to raise awareness, break the stigma, and promote understanding about self-injury (also known as Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, or NSSI). This month is dedicated to educating the public, offering resources, and encouraging open conversations to support those struggling with self-harm and their loved ones.

By raising awareness, we can:

  • Educate people about what NSSI is and why individuals engage in it
  • Reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding self-harm
  • Encourage open conversations about mental health and self-injury
  • Promote early intervention to prevent escalation or suicidal thoughts
  • Provide resources and support for those who self-harm and their loved ones

Why is Self-Harm Awareness Important?

Self-harm is often misunderstood, and many individuals suffer in silence due to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of judgment.

Awareness efforts help:

  • Challenge misconceptions about self-injury
  • Encourage open and compassionate conversations
  • Provide access to support, therapy, and recovery tools
  • Empower individuals to seek help without fear of stigma
  • Highlight the connection between self-harm and mental health conditions

Recognizing the Symbol of Self-Harm Awareness

March is self harm awareness month

The orange ribbon is commonly used as a symbol of Self-Harm Awareness.

Some individuals also wear a butterfly or draw one on their skin as part of the Butterfly Project, a self-harm recovery initiative that encourages people to use art as a coping tool instead of self-injury.

March is self harm awareness month

Ways to Support Self-Harm Awareness Month

  • Educate Yourself & Others – Share facts about self-harm, its causes, and how to support someone who is struggling.
  • Talk About It – Encourage open, stigma-free conversations about mental health and self-injury.
  • Wear Orange – Show your support by wearing the official color of self-harm awareness.
  • Engage on Social Media – Use hashtags like #SelfHarmAwareness, #EndTheStigma, and #YouAreNotAlone to spread awareness.
  • Donate or Volunteer – Support organizations that provide mental health resources and crisis intervention.
  • Reach Out for Help – If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage seeking professional support and using available resources.

Self-Harm Resources

There are many great resources available for individuals impacted by self-harm, whether they are struggling themselves or supporting a loved one.

Here are some trusted hotlines, websites, and tools for education, crisis intervention, and long-term healing:

Crisis Hotlines & Immediate Support

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 (24/7 for emotional distress, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts)
  • Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 741741 (24/7, free, confidential support)
  • Support for LGBTQ+ Self-Harm Recovery (thetrevorproject.org) – Call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 for LGBTQ+-inclusive self-harm hotlines.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640
  • S.A.F.E. Alternatives – 1-800-DON’T-CUT (800-366-8288) (self-injury crisis support and therapy referrals)

Online Support & Education

  • S.A.F.E. Alternatives (selfinjury.com) – Therapy resources and recovery programs for self-injury
  • To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) (twloha.com) – Support, encouragement, and mental health advocacy
  • Self-Injury Outreach & Support (SIOS) (sioutreach.org) – Information, coping strategies, and research-based resources
  • The Mighty’s Self-Harm Support Community (themighty.com) – Peer support and personal stories
  • Mental Health America (MHA) (mhanational.org) – Self-harm and mental health education, screening tools, and resources

Apps & Tools for Coping

  • Calm Harm (calmharm.stem4.org.uk) – Helps manage self-harm urges with distraction techniques
  • BetterHelp (betterhelp.com) – Online therapy and professional support
  • Youper (youper.ai) – AI-powered emotional support chatbot for managing mental health

Books & Workbooks

  • “Healing Self-Injury: A Compassionate Guide for Parents and Other Loved Ones” – Janis Whitlock
  • “Freedom from Self-Harm: Overcoming Self-Injury with Skills from DBT and Other Treatments” – Kim Gratz & Alex Chapman
  • “The Scarred Soul: Understanding and Ending Self-Inflicted Violence” – Tracy Alderman
  • “The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook” – Matthew McKay (great for emotional regulation)

For Loved Ones & Parents

  • Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery (selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu) – Research-based guides for families
  • The Jed Foundation (JED) (jedfoundation.org) – Mental health support for teens and young adults
  • Love is Respect (loveisrespect.org) – Resources for teens experiencing self-harm, abuse, or distress

Sources:

  1. American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding self-injury. APA. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/self-injury
  2. Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery. (2023). What is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)? Cornell University. Retrieved from http://selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu
  3. Mental Health America. (2023). Self-injury and recovery. Mental Health America. Retrieved from https://mhanational.org/self-injury-and-recovery
  4. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Self-harm. NAMI. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Self-Harm
  5. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Self-harm and mental health disorders. NIMH. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/self-harm
  6. Whitlock, J., Lader, W., & Conterio, K. (2022). Self-injury recovery and prevention: A comprehensive guide for individuals and families. Oxford University Press.
  7. To Write Love on Her Arms. (2023). Understanding self-harm and finding hope. TWLOHA. Retrieved from https://twloha.com
  8. Crisis Text Line. (2023). Resources for self-harm and crisis intervention. Crisis Text Line. Retrieved from https://www.crisistextline.org
  9. Self-Injury Outreach & Support. (2023). Understanding and responding to self-injury. University of Guelph & McGill University. Retrieved from http://sioutreach.org
  10. Turner, B. J., Dixon-Gordon, K. L., Austin, S. B., Rodriguez, M. A., & Chapman, A. L. (2020). Non-suicidal self-injury: A comprehensive guide to assessment and treatment. American Psychological Association.