If you have seriously injured yourself, taken an overdose or may be in immediate danger, contact emergency services or go to an emergency department. If you are thinking about suicide or are not sure you can stay safe, seek crisis support now. In the United States, call or text 988; elsewhere, contact a local crisis service.
If you are experiencing urges to self-harm, you deserve support without shame. You do not have to prove that you are strong, wait until the situation becomes worse or work out every reason before telling someone.
On this page
Tell someone what you need
You could say, “I am having urges to hurt myself and I need help,” or write it in a message. Contact a trusted person, a health professional or a crisis service. If you are a young person, tell a trusted adult who can help you reach appropriate care.
Ask for something specific, such as company while you contact a service or help arranging an appointment. If one person is unavailable, try another source of support.
Get support for the next few moments
Where possible, move to a safer place and ask someone you trust to help reduce access to things you might use to harm yourself. If you cannot stay safe, get urgent help rather than relying on a distraction.
A harmless activity may help you through a difficult moment while you connect with support. Options include listening to familiar music, writing what you feel or sitting with someone safe. Choose what feels manageable; no single technique works for everyone.
The NHS guide to coping with self-harm urges describes additional options and stresses the importance of support for the underlying difficulties. These activities do not replace medical attention for injuries or urgent care.
Ask about care and treatment
A health professional can discuss what has been happening, assess injuries and help plan appropriate support. The NHS guide to getting help for self-harm explains what seeking help can involve.
You can ask about confidentiality, appointments and what happens next. If speaking feels difficult, take a short note or ask a trusted person to come with you. Let the clinician know if a previous plan has not helped.
Respond to a setback with support
If you self-harm again, seek any needed medical care and reconnect with support. It does not mean you are undeserving of help or that every previous effort was wasted.
When you are able, review your support plan with a professional: what was happening, who you could reach and what might make the next difficult moment safer. You do not need to turn scars or past pain into motivation. Your needs now are enough reason to ask for care.
Related reading: When Self-Talk Hurts: Notice Thoughts, Check Facts and Find Support.
This post touches on important points regarding self-harm and depression but might benefit from including professional resources or support groups for those struggling with these issues.
I agree with you Nina; providing resources could make this article more effective in helping those who need assistance.
It’s fascinating how different people cope with their pain; some turn inward while others reach out for help. This article makes me want to explore more about mental health coping mechanisms.
Yes Cathy! Understanding various coping mechanisms is essential, and sharing experiences can really shed light on what others go through.
‘Scars are a testimony of lost control’ is a profound statement that emphasizes the internal struggle many face. It might help if we also discuss therapy and support systems that can aid recovery.
Honestly, this post seems overly optimistic about self-harm recovery. Not everyone can just push through depression or find ways to cope without external help. We need more realistic discussions on mental health.
‘Depression doesn’t have to win.’ Oh sure, let me just tell my brain to stop being sad! If only it were that easy; I could’ve saved a ton on therapy bills!
This article beautifully captures the struggle with self-harm and depression. It’s inspiring to read about overcoming these challenges. The strength of individuals who fight through this pain is truly admirable. Keep sharing such important messages!
Sure, it’s nice to be positive, but let’s not gloss over the reality that many people fall back into self-harm despite wanting to overcome it. It’s not as simple as just ‘deciding’ to stop.
I appreciate your positivity, SunnyDays123! It’s vital to highlight the journeys of those who have faced similar battles. Their stories can provide hope and encouragement to others in dark times.
‘When the wave of depression rolls in…’ Sounds like something out of a bad soap opera! Can we get some lifeguards for emotional waves or what? Seriously though, it’s tough for many.
‘You can survive and emerge stronger.’ How wonderfully cliché! It’s almost like they think everyone has a happy ending waiting for them, regardless of how deep their issues run.