Helplines in England.

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

It can be hard to control the urge to intentionally harm yourself, especially if hurting yourself helps release intense negative emotions. However, it’s important to get help when you’re ready because self-harm carries risks. There are 4 hotlines in England that can help. Reach out if you experience the following:

• Searching for ways to self-harm
• Scratching, pinching, hitting yourself
• Feeling reckless, not caring whether you get hurt
• Taking part in high-risk activities, disregarding safety
• Not looking after your physical health (e.g. not eating, not taking care of wounds or injuries)
• Feeling like self-harm is the only thing keeping you going
• Drinking a lot or taking drugs
• Imagining hurting yourself

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 England 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 are ready to talk to someone about self harm, you can contact a hotline in England for free and confidential support.