Self-Harm Awareness Month
By Ran Xu, M.A.
Self-harm is often defined as any intentional, non-fatal act that causes injury to oneself. Though it can occur with or without suicidal intent, it is an indication of significant risk behavior, especially among adolescents, and is understood as a growing public health issue. According to a recent study published by the National Institute of Health, 20.2% of adolescents reported self-harm behaviors in 2024, with teenage girls being significantly more likely to engage in self-harm (up to 30%) compared to boys (10%) (Gaspar et al., 2025). Prevalence of self-harm is also increased among LGBTQ+ adolescents. These rates also demonstrate a significant increase in self-injury over the past 10 years, up to 166% in girls between the ages of 10 and 14 (Mercado et al., 2017). Although cutting continues to be the most common form of self-harm, it can take many different forms, and those who struggle with self-harm tend to struggle silently, afraid of judgement and unsure of how to ask for help. Therefore, it is incredibly important to raise awareness and encourage open conversations and dialogue to better understand self-harm. March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, reminding us that compassion and understanding can make a powerful difference.
There exists the misconception that self-harming behaviors are the result of attention- seeking. This notion is insidious and alienating, further silencing those who struggle with it. Many individuals who self-harm are not engaging in these behaviors to seek attention or manipulate others. Instead, it may be a coping mechanism to deal with intense feelings such as anxiety, sadness, anger, hopelessness, loneliness, or numbness. Often, individuals who self-harm may not yet have healthy tools and skills to process these intense emotions. Therefore, self-harm can become a way to express pain that cannot be put into words or communicate the intensity of one’s emotions when feeling unheard. Everyone wants to be understood, and when pain is
difficult to express, it can be a way of saying “I’m hurt this badly.” Self-harm can also provide a physical distraction from painful emotions. Pain signals are prioritized by the body and the adrenaline can quickly override panic, anxiety, and other emotions that feel impossible to sit with. Sometimes self-harm can also be self-punitive when one is struggling with feelings of
depression, worthlessness, or rejection.
One of the most significant challenges surrounding self-harm is the stigma that is associated with it. Individuals who struggle with self-harm likely already experience shame and guilt. Because these behaviors are often misunderstood, people who struggle with self-harm may feel further ashamed or afraid to talk about what they are going through due to the problematic notion that they are being manipulative or attention-seeking. Stigma contributes to the dangerous cycle, exacerbating shame, isolation, and coping in silence. Awareness efforts during Self-Harm Awareness Month aim to challenge these misconceptions and create a more supportive and safe environment that encourages individuals to reach out for help.
When considering self-harm awareness, it is important to understand risk factors underlying these behaviors. Self-harm often emerges during adolescence and may be triggered by trauma and life stressors, such as unstable family environments, relationship difficulties, social isolation, and confusion surrounding identity. Depression and anxiety disorders, as well as eating disorders, are also common among those who struggle with self-harm. Another important aspect of awareness is learning how to support someone who may be struggling. If a friend, family member, or classmate opens up to you about self-harm, listening without judgement is imperative. They felt safe enough to confide in you, so avoid reacting with anger, blame, or panic, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Gently express concern without making threats or accusations. Instead, offer empathy and remind them that they are not alone. Encouraging them to speak with a trusted adult, counselor, or mental health professional can also be an important step toward healing.
It is also important to remember that healthier coping strategies exist, even though they may take time to learn and practice. Activities such as journaling, exercising, drawing, talking to someone you trust, or engaging in mindfulness exercises can help with managing intense emotions in safer ways. While these strategies may not solve every problem, they can help create space to process feelings without causing harm.
Self-Harm Awareness Month poses as a reminder that mental health struggles are more common than many people realize. There may be someone around you that is quietly dealing with pain that you cannot see. Small acts of kindness, patience, and understanding can help create an environment where people feel safe to seek help and less alone in their struggles. Ultimately, awareness is about more than simply acknowledging a problem. It is about educating oneself, fostering compassion, and encouraging support. By talking openly about self-harm and challenging dangerous stereotypes, we can help break the cycle of shame and silence that often surrounds it. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, reaching out for help is an incredibly brave and important step. No one should have to face emotional pain alone. Through understanding, education, and empathy, we can continue to build a community where people feel supported, heard, and valued.
References:
Gaspar, T., Serafim, C., De Matos, M. G., & Carvalho, M. (2025). Trend Analysis of Self-Harm
behaviors and stress Management skills in Adolescents between 2018, 2022, and 2024: A
Comprehensive Ecological model. Children, 12(9), 1230.
https://doi.org/10.3390/
Mercado, M. C., Holland, K., Leemis, R. W., Stone, D. M., & Wang, J. (2017). Trends in
emergency department visits for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries among youth aged 10 to
24 years in the United States, 2001-2015. JAMA, 318(19), 1931.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.