March is Self-Harm Awareness Month—a time to have real, honest conversations about self-harm and the people who struggle with it. Too often, self-injury is misunderstood, hidden in shame, or dismissed as attention-seeking. But the reality is that many people, from all walks of life, turn to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, past trauma, or mental health challenges.
If this is something you’ve experienced, or if someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone.
What is Self-Injury?
Self-harm, also called self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is when someone deliberately hurts themselves as a way to manage emotional pain. This can look like cutting, burning, scratching, or other forms of harm. It’s not about seeking attention—it’s often a deeply private struggle. Many people who self-harm feel relief in the moment but also carry feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation afterward.
Why Awareness Matters
Self-harm is more common than many people think, and yet, it’s rarely talked about openly. That silence can make it even harder for people to ask for help. By raising awareness, we can create space for understanding, support, and healing.
Here’s why awareness is so important:
- Breaking the stigma – The more we talk about self-harm, the less shame there is around it. People who self-harm are not “crazy” or “attention-seeking”—they are in pain and need support, not judgment.
- Encouraging open conversations – When we acknowledge self-injury as a real issue, we make it easier for people to reach out and share their experiences.
- Offering hope – Recovery is possible, and support is available. Whether it’s through trusted friends, therapy, or community, no one has to go through this alone.
What Can We Do?
If you or someone you love is struggling with self-harm, small steps can make a big difference.
1. Educate Yourself & Others
One of the most powerful ways to support someone is to understand what they’re going through. Learn about self-harm from reliable sources, and don’t be afraid to talk about it in a compassionate way.
2. Wear an Orange Ribbon
The orange ribbon is a symbol of self-injury awareness. Wearing it can be a way to show support and spark conversations that might help someone feel seen and understood.
3. Support Organizations That Help
There are incredible organizations working to spread awareness and provide resources for those struggling with self-injury. Two that stand out are:
- To Write Love on Her Arms – A movement dedicated to providing hope and support for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
- Project Semicolon – A nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, using the semicolon as a symbol of hope.
If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone
If you self-harm, please know that your pain is real, and you deserve support. You are not “broken,” and you don’t have to go through this alone. There are people who care about you and want to help, whether that’s a friend, a therapist, or a supportive community.
Self-Injury Awareness Month is about breaking the silence and letting people know that healing is possible. If you need help, please reach out. And if you know someone who’s struggling, remind them they’re not alone.
Let’s keep the conversation going—not just this month, but every month.
