Helplines in Victoria, Australia.

Are you or someone you know self-harming? Reach out for support from a helpline in Victoria, Australia

Self-harm is when you purposely hurt yourself as a way to cope with difficult emotions. Self-harm may bring you relief from intense emotional pain, but the relief is often short-lived. If you struggle with the following, there are 2 helplines available in Victoria, Australia that can offer you support:

• Scratching, pinching, hitting yourself
• Feeling drawn to sharp objects, or items you could harm yourself with
• Feeling reckless, not caring whether you get hurt
• Feeling like normal ways of coping don't work for you – the pain is a last resort
• Feeling the need to escape or numb your feelings
• Feeling like you need a physical release for your emotions
• Craving physical pain as a distraction from overwhelming emotions
• Avoiding people you care about so they don't find out

It’s normal to look for ways to relieve strong, negative emotions. Although it’s not talked about much, self-harm is a common strategy people use to deal with emotional turmoil. It may not seem like it, but there are other, healthy ways to deal with the pain you're experiencing.

Talking about difficult emotions with someone compassionate and non-judgemental may help lighten your burdens. There are dedicated helpline volunteers in Victoria, Australia who are trained to support people through emotional distress. A helpline volunteer can help you process complex feelings and introduce you to healthy coping tools at your own discretion.

If you think you might need support with self harm today, consider contacting a helpline in Victoria, Australia for free, confidential help.