If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away.
- Call 911 for emergency services.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.
What is Self Harm?
Self-harm or self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose.
One common method is cutting with a sharp object. But any time someone deliberately hurts themself is classified as self-harm.
Some people feel an impulse to:
- Cause burns
- Pull out hair
- Pick at wounds to prevent healing
Extreme injuries can result in broken bones.
Hurting yourself—or thinking about hurting yourself—is a sign of emotional distress.
These uncomfortable emotions may grow more intense if a person continues to use self-harm as a coping mechanism. Learning other ways to tolerate the mental pain will make you stronger in the long term.