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Self-Harm Awareness Month: Recognizing the Signs and Breaking the Silence

March 18, 2025  |  mental health, self-care, slef-harm
self-harm awareness month

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a difficult yet important topic. Self-harm is often misunderstood, carrying stigma and misconceptions that can make it harder for people struggling to seek help.

By taking the time to learn about the signs of self-harm, we can build understanding, encourage open conversations, and help people find the support they need.

 

What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm, or self-injury, is when someone intentionally hurts their own body. It can take many forms, including cutting, burning, or piercing the skin, hitting oneself, hair-pulling, or even breaking bones. Self-harm often begins in pre-teen and teenage years and can continue into adulthood. 

It’s important to note that someone who self-harms is usually not harming themselves with the intent to die by suicide. However, self-harming behaviors can be a risk factor for future suicide attempts.

 

Why Do People Self-Harm?

Self-harm is a coping mechanism to deal with intense emotions, such as guilt, shame, sadness, anger, or numbness. It can be triggered by current situations or past trauma and abuse. People may self-harm to feel in control, feel alive, or simply feel something when things feel out of control. While someone may feel a sense of relief from their emotional pain after self-harming, it’s only temporary and doesn’t address the underlying issues. When difficult feelings come up again, the cycle of self-harm often continues.

 

What are the Signs of Self-Harm?

Because people who self-harm tend to hide their injuries, it’s not always obvious when something’s wrong. Here are some signs to look for:

●      Cuts, bruises, burns, or scars, often on the wrists, arms, thighs, or stomach

●      Excessive use of bandages or wound dressings

●      Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in warm weather, to hide injuries

●      Periods of isolation and withdrawal from family and friends

●      Mood swings, irritability, or depression

●      Low self-esteem or self-critical statements

 

How is Self-Harm Treated?

Recovery from self-harm takes time and support, but it is possible. Treatment is all about understanding the underlying reasons someone is harming themselves and helping them develop healthier ways of coping.

 Whether through therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of approaches, treatment for self-harm can help people address their emotional distress and feel better without harming themselves. The first step to healing is to reach out for help.

 

Find Help. Find Hope for Self-Harm. 

If you’re struggling, or someone you know is exhibiting signs of self-harm, don’t wait to speak up and seek support. The Mental Health Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton Counties is your starting point for help. We can connect you to our network providers for mental health support, education, and local resources.

 In a crisis? Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether you need support for yourself or someone you know.