March is Self-Injury Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the often-misunderstood reality of self-harm. For many, self-injury is a coping mechanism—an attempt to manage overwhelming emotions, numbness, or inner turmoil. If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why do I feel like hurting myself?, you’re not alone. Understanding the reasons behind self-injury and knowing that help is available can be the first step toward healing. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Bespoke Psychiatry’s website or click HERE to become a new patient.
What Is Self-Injury?
Self-injury, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), is the act of deliberately harming oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, distress, or a sense of emptiness. It can take many forms, such as:
- Cutting
- Burning
- Scratching
- Hitting oneself
- Preventing wounds from healing
People who engage in self-injury don’t necessarily intend to end their lives, but the behavior is often a sign of deeper emotional struggles, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-worth.
The History of Self-Injury Awareness Month
Self-Injury Awareness Month was established to bring attention to the stigma surrounding self-harm and encourage open conversations about mental health. Organizations and advocates work throughout March to provide education, share personal stories, and spread the message that healing is possible.
The orange ribbon has become a symbol of self-harm awareness, representing hope, understanding, and the fight against the shame that often keeps people silent. The goal of this month is to ensure that those struggling know they are not alone—and that support is available.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
There is no single reason why someone might engage in self-injury, but common motivations include:
- Emotional Release – Physical pain can feel like a distraction from intense emotional distress.
- Numbness – Some people self-harm to feel something when they experience emotional emptiness.
- Control – When life feels chaotic, self-injury can provide a temporary sense of control.
- Self-Punishment – Feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-worth can lead someone to believe they “deserve” pain.
- Expression of Inner Pain – If someone struggles to verbalize their emotions, self-harm might feel like a way to communicate distress.
Breaking the Cycle: How to Seek Help
If you or someone you know struggles with self-injury, know that recovery is possible. Here are some steps toward healing:
- Reach Out for Support – Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You don’t have to go through this alone.
- Identify Triggers – Understanding what leads to self-harm can help in finding healthier coping strategies.
- Find Alternative Coping Mechanisms – Journaling, exercising, deep breathing, or engaging in creative activities can help process emotions in a safer way.
- Consider Professional Help – Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can be incredibly effective in addressing self-harm behaviors. Click HERE to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.
Self-injury can feel isolating, but there is hope and help available. You don’t have to fight this battle alone. This Self-Injury Awareness Month, let’s work to break the stigma, support one another, and spread the message that healing is possible.
If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out to a mental health professional. If you’re in crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or seek immediate support.
For more resources and mental health support, or to schedule a consultation, visit Bespoke Psychiatry’s website.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Jacob Fyda MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist
