There are many options available for support and recovery if you or someone you know is struggling with self-injury.
Here are some trusted organizations and hotlines that can help:
Hotlines and crisis services
To receive 24/7 support, text HOME to 741741 (U.S., UK, and Canada) for free.
Dial 988 for confidential support.
(800) 366-8288, A program dedicated to self-injury recovery.
Call 116 123 for night and day support.
Phone 13 11 14 for private crisis support.
Websites and online support
Get information on treatment and recovery.
A UK-based mental health charity with self-harm resources.
Offers support specifically for women and girls.
General mental health resources, including self-harm.
A community-driven platform for sharing mental health experiences.
Apps for coping and alternatives
An app designed to provide alternatives to self-harm.
Suggests support and strategies for managing self-injury urges.
Books and workbooks
- “Freedom from Self-Harm: Overcoming Self-Injury with Skills from DBT and Other Treatments” – Kim Gratz & Alexander Chapman.
- “The Scarred Soul: Understanding & Ending Self-Inflicted Violence” – Tracy Alderman.
- “Stopping the Pain: A Workbook for Teens Who Cut & Self-Injure” – Lawrence Shapiro.
Therapeutic approaches that help
Focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
Encourages mindfulness and self-acceptance.
Here are some additional resources for those struggling with self-injury that weren’t listed before:
Additional hotlines and crisis support
Call 1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863 (for teens struggling with mental health and self-harm).
Visit www.selfharm.co.uk for online support and resources.
Phone 0800 068 4141 (for young people struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts).
Bell 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 for 24/7 help.
A mental health campaign to promote open conversations: seizetheawkward.org.
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential, and uninterrupted crisis assistance.
Call 1300 659 467 for mental health and self-harm help.
- Befrienders Worldwide
Find international crisis helplines at www.befrienders.org.
Online support groups and forums
A forum for those struggling with self-injury and recovery.
UK-based support for young people, including self-harm help.
Free emotional assistance and trained listeners are available around the clock.
A peer-support network for mental health and self-harm recovery.
Additional coping apps and tools
A panic attack and anxiety relief app that can help with distress.
Helps users create a safety plan and connect with trusted contacts.
Offers distraction tools and coping strategies.
Helps manage anxiety, which is often linked to self-injury.
Uses science-based activities to improve mood and resilience.
A guided journaling app to track emotions and triggers.
Teaches deep breathing to reduce tension and self-harm urges.
Additional books and workbooks
- “Healing Self-Injury: A Compassionate Guide for Parents and Other Loved Ones” – Janis Whitlock & Elizabeth Lloyd-Richardson.
- “Bodily Harm: The Breakthrough Healing Program for Self-Injurers” – Karen Conterio & Wendy Lader.
- “A Bright Red Scream: Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain” – Marilee Strong.
- “Self-Injury: Psychotherapy with People Who Engage in Self-Inflicted Violence” – Wendy Lader.
- “Inside a Cutter’s Mind: Understanding and Helping Those Who Self-Injure” – Jerusha Clark & Dr. Earl Henslin.
- “DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets” – Dr. Marsha Linehan (great for learning distress tolerance skills).
Therapeutic approaches and research-based strategies
- ACT with Love (by Dr. Russ Harris)
Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles: www.actmindfully.com.au.
- Emotion regulation resources (DBT Skills)
- Psychology Tools
Free worksheets and self-help resources are available at www.psychologytools.com.
Harm reduction and safer coping strategies
Damage reduction can be a step toward recovery for those struggling to stop self-harm immediately:
UK-based harm reduction and recovery support.
Alternatives to serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.
- Self-harm reduction strategies (via Self Injury Outreach & Support)
Using red markers instead of self-mutilation to simulate the action more safely.
YouTube channels and podcasts for recovery
- Kati Morton YouTube channel
A licensed therapist discussing self-mutilation, anxiety, and coping skills.
Covers dialectical behavior therapy skills for self-abuse recovery.
A mental health advice show with a humorous touch.
Additional therapy and professional help directories
Find mental health professionals worldwide.
A database of therapists who specialize in self-injury recovery.
Affordable treatment options for those in financial need.
Online therapy platforms with licensed specialists.
Specialized support for marginalized communities
Culturally appropriate mental health support for Native Americans: 1-844-762-8483
- The Steve Fund
Mental health resources for young people of color: www.stevefund.org.
Faith-based and spiritual support (for those who find comfort in faith-based approaches)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health awareness and self-harm recovery.
Faith-based mental health resources.
- Muslim Youth Helpline (UK)
Call 0808 808 2008 or visit www.myh.org.uk for assistance.
Conclusion
There are many options available for those struggling with self-mutilation.
You don’t have to suffer alone, and it’s important to get it under control as soon as possible to prevent things from spiraling out of control any further and to avoid serious damage.
The assets listed above will hopefully convince you to seek out the help and specialized assistance you deserve.
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