Self-harm may offer you relief from painful emotions in the moment, but it can leave you feeling worse afterward. It cannot solve your problems or remove the source of your pain. If you struggle with the following, you can get help from one of 3 in Missouri, United States:

Feeling temporary relief after hurting yourself, but the emotional pain coming back stronger
Looking for a way to escape the emotional pain
Imagining hurting yourself
Coming up with excuses and ways to explain self-inflicted injuries
A desire to punish or hurt yourself
Feeling like you need to hide injuries from those who care about you
Feeling like you need an outlet to channel your painful emotions
Not wanting to die, but still feeling like you need the pain

Self-harm is more common than you may think, but it's not talked about much. It’s normal to look for ways to manage intense emotional pain. When you’re under extreme emotional pressure, self-harm can seem like the only way to relieve it.

Talking about difficult emotions with someone compassionate and non-judgemental may help lighten your burdens. There are dedicated helpline volunteers in Missouri, United States 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.

For free and confidential support with self harm, consider contacting a hotline in Missouri, United States today.