Self-Harm

Overview

Hi, I'm Mindy. To you who is reading this topic — first, thank you for having the courage to seek out this information. Self-harm refers to the act of intentionally hurting one's own body as a way to cope with emotional pain. While self-harm is different from a suicide attempt, it is a serious signal of emotional distress and a condition that absolutely requires professional help. If you are engaging in self-harm, please don't feel ashamed — reach out and ask for help.

Key Concepts

This May Apply to You If...

When feeling intense anger or frustration and not knowing how else to express it, some people scratch or pinch their arms. When feeling empty or emotionally numb, some people self-harm to feel 'alive.' Some people feel they deserve punishment and use self-harm as a way to punish themselves.

How Can You Cope?

When the urge to self-harm arises, try alternative behaviors that don't cause physical harm — such as holding ice in your hand, snapping a rubber band on your wrist, or drawing lines with a red pen. Talk to one trusted person (a friend, family member, or counselor) about what you're going through. Professional counseling to understand the emotional patterns that trigger self-harm and to learn healthy ways of expressing emotions is very important. In a crisis, please contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 (in the US) or reach out to a local crisis line in your area.

A Word from Mindy

The fact that you are self-harming means you are in a great deal of pain. Your pain is real, and you deserve to receive help. It's okay if stopping right now feels too hard. One step at a time, you can find safer ways to cope. Mindy is here with you.