Empowering youth in and from government care in BC

How do I know if I'm self-harming?

If you’ve tried one or more of the following activities, you have tried to harm yourself:

• Cutting
• Burning
• Scalding
• Stabbing
• Banging body parts against a wall
• Hair-pulling
• Biting
• Breaking bones
• Jumping from heights or in front of vehicles
• Swallowing or inserting objects into your body
• Self-poisoning

What are some reasons for self-harm?

Self-harming is an unhealthy coping method. You might harm yourself to:

• Cope with anxiety or depression.
• Cope with loss, trauma, violence, or other difficult situations.
• Punish yourself.
• Turn emotional pain into physical pain.
• Feel ‘real’ and replace feelings of emptiness or numbness.
• Feel euphoria.
• Feel like you’re in control of your body.
• Simply feel better.

I've harmed myself or I'm thinking about it. What should I do?

Get immediate help

• If you’ve recently hurt yourself, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.
• Call the Crisis Centre if you’re thinking of hurting yourself immediately.

Get help with coping skills

• Talk to a counsellor, mental health professional, a supportive adult, or attend a support group. Professionals can teach you healthy ways of coping with difficult feelings.