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 3 hotlines in Germany that can help. Reach out if you experience the following:

Feeling like normal ways of coping don't work for you – the pain is a last resort
Craving physical pain as a distraction from overwhelming emotions
Feeling reckless, not caring whether you get hurt
Feeling like you need to hide injuries from those who care about you
Feeling like you deserve the pain
Taking part in high-risk activities, disregarding safety
Not wanting to die, but still feeling like you need the pain
Imagining hurting yourself

If you use self-harm to cope with tough feelings, you may feel ashamed about your behavior. However, many people inflict harm on themselves as a way to relieve emotional pain. Self-harm is more common than you think, but a lot of people struggle to talk about it.

You may struggle to talk to people about your feelings, but having the right person to talk to can make all the difference. Dedicated volunteers in Germany will listen to you without any judgement. Whether you just want to be heard, or you want to explore other coping tools, you can find the support you need.

If you feel like you might need support with self harm, try reaching out to a hotline in Germany. It's free and confidential.