News & Events

Awareness Months

On this page we will highlight national awareness months related to mental health and substance use/misuse.

MARCH is SELF-Harm Awareness MONTH

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the feelings of shame surrounding self-harm. Each year, approximately 2 million cases are reported, affecting individuals from adolescence through adulthood. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) identifies self-injurious behavior as a symptom of borderline personality disorder, it can also be associated with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Fortunately, effective treatment plans are available to support individuals and families facing this challenge. Additionally, dialing 988 provides access to resources and mental health professionals for those in need.

Statistics about Self-Harm

• Each year, 1 in 5 females and 1 in 7 males engage in self-injury.
• 90 percent of people who engage in self-harm begin during their teen or pre-adolescent years.
• Nearly 50 percent of those who engage in self-injury activities have been sexually abused.
• Females comprise 60 percent of those who engage in self-injurious behavior.
• About 50 percent of those who engage in self-mutilation begin around age 14 and carry on into their 20s.
• Many of those who self injure report learning how to do so from friends or pro self-injury websites.
• Approximately two million cases are reported annually in the U.S.

Source: Gluck, S. (2022, March 25). Self Injury, Self Harm Statistics and Facts. Healthy Place. https://aws.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/self-injury-self-harm-statistics-and-facts

Other Information and Resources:

• Self-harm (NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Self Injury, Self Harm Statistics and Facts, (HealthyPlace) 
• March is Self-Injury Awareness Month, (Psychology Today)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA)
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Federal Communications Commission)
• The MIghty's Guide to understanding Self Harm (The Mighty)

Crisis Hotlines

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Self-Abuse Finally Ends)
Information Line: 1-800-DONT-CUT or 1-800-366-8288
Email: info@selfinjury.com
www.selfinjury.com

National Hopeline Network
1-800-784-2433

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

Domestic Violence
1-800-799-7233

Thursday’s Child (Teens and Young Adults)
1-800-872-5437