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    A 24 hour, province-wide youth help line offering one-on-one support and information to help deal with violence or crime.

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    In Surrey, call if you feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone. The Crisis Centre is open 24 hours a day.

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Self-harm

Everyone has different ways to deal with hard situations, thoughts, or feelings.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm, or self-injury, involves the deliberate act of physically harming oneself.

There are many forms of self-harm, including cutting or burning skin, hitting oneself, or lashing out physically by punching and things. Sometimes it is less obvious and comes out as destructive behaviour such as reckless driving, binge drinking, drug abuse, and unsafe sex.

While self-harm can result in serious injuries, a person who self-harms is not trying to commit suicide.

Why might someone self-harm?

There are a number of reasons a person may self-harm.

Examples of these reasons include:

  • To cope with anxiety or depression.
  • As “punishment” to themselves.
  • As a response to loss or trauma.
  • To turn emotional pain into physical pain.
  • To feel better.
  • To feel something; not just emptiness or numbness.

"I know that we all deal with things in different ways but I really don’t understand why my friend chooses to harm themselves..."

"They say that it’s just their way of dealing but I feel like I should be able to do something to help them.

This is more than just me being there to listen to them vent and I knew that I needed to talk to someone about this. It was to help not only my friend, but also to help me.

That’s why I chose to talk to someone who could help."

What are the signs of self-harm?

Think someone you know is self-harming? Here's what to look for:

  • Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts, or scars.
  • Wears long sleeves or pants, even when the weather doesn’t require it.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Problems with relationships.
  • Problems handling or expressing emotions.

How can I help?

If you know a friend or family member who is self-harming, you can help them.

Check out the resources below to learn how to help, manage and understand mental health and substance use problems. By speaking to a trusted adult, you can help get the person the help they need. Here are some tips on how you can help someone who is self-harming:

  • Show them concern for their well-being: Ask how they’re feeling, if anything is bothering them and if they would be able to talk about it with your or someone else.
  • Celebrate any little changes they make: Encourage them to make progress in getting them out of the negative state-of-mind they may be in.
  • Support them, even if they try to hide their behaviour: Show that you care and want what’s best for them. Make them at ease and more comfortable with opening up about what they’re going through.
  • Talk to a trusted adult: It's important you get the support you need and it can sometimes be difficult to navigate these issues on your own. Support is available for these types of issues and you don’t have to deal with them on your own.

Want to know more?

  • Canadian Mental Health Association

    Promotes mental health for all, and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.

    cmha.ca

  • Mind Check

    To help youth check how they are feeling and quickly connect with mental health resources and support.

    mindcheck.ca

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