Self-harm is a way of trying to ease emotional pain by intentionally causing physical harm to oneself.
Many people who deliberately harm themselves do not intend to kill themselves.
Self-harm, by definition, means it is nonfatal.
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If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Yet self-harm patterns aren’t always obvious and there are multiple variables.
What if I Think Someone Is Self-Harming?
Encourage them to speak with a mental health professional and offer resources for seeking help.
Treatment options are available.
Your healthcare provider also may prescribe medication to treat a co-occurring mental health issue like depression.
These types of actions are most common in adolescents, though they can continue into adulthood.
Older adults are also at risk.
Long-term support can help you work through the underlying thoughts and experiences that lead to self-harm behaviors.
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