Find a Mental Health Professional for Self-Harm

About Self-Harm support

Self-harm involves deliberately hurting one's own body, most often as a way of managing overwhelming emotional pain rather than as an attempt to end life. It is more common than many people realise, particularly among young people, and carries significant stigma that can prevent people from speaking honestly about what they are experiencing. Understanding self-harm as a coping strategy, rather than a behaviour to be judged, is central to providing effective support. Therapeutic work with self-harm focuses on understanding the functions it serves, developing alternative ways to manage distress, and addressing the underlying emotional pain that drives it. DBT is one of the most well-researched approaches for self-harm and teaches skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Compassion-focused therapy and trauma-informed work are also relevant when self-harm is connected to shame or past adverse experiences. In Australia, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress. Kids Helpline and headspace also offer support for young people and adults experiencing self-harm urges. Reach Out provides online resources specifically for young people. GPs can provide assessment and referral to appropriate psychological support through Medicare's Better Access initiative. Families and friends of people who self-harm can also access support through organisations such as SANE Australia. If there is immediate risk to life, call 000 or attend a hospital emergency department.