Question 1

Often this is: Severe stress or a major life change

Accepted Answer

Loss, relationship ending, work crisis, or major disappointment can bring on overwhelming feelings. Your brain is signalling that you need relief and support. What to do: Talk to someone you trust today. A counsellor or therapist can help you work through what's happening.

Question 2

Often this is: Untreated depression or anxiety

Accepted Answer

These conditions distort your thinking and make pain feel unbearable. With proper treatment, these thoughts often ease significantly. What to do: Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible.

Question 3

Often this is: Overwhelming emotion without a clear outlet

Accepted Answer

Sometimes strong feelings (anger, shame, grief) build up with nowhere to go. Self-harm can feel like a way to release pressure or regain control. What to do: Reach out to a counsellor, trusted friend, or crisis service to talk through what you're feeling right now.

Question 4

Worth checking: Undiagnosed or poorly managed bipolar disorder

Accepted Answer

Mood swings, especially low periods, can bring on thoughts of self-harm. A doctor can help clarify your mood pattern. What to do: Book a routine appointment with your doctor to discuss your full mood history.

Question 5

Worth checking: Trauma or PTSD

Accepted Answer

If you've experienced abuse, accident, or violence, self-harm thoughts can be a way your nervous system reacts to triggers. What to do: Tell your doctor about any past trauma so they can refer you to trauma-informed support.

Question 6

Act now if: You have a specific plan to hurt yourself

Accepted Answer

If you know how, when, or where you would do it, this is urgent. You need immediate professional support to stay safe. What to do: Call your crisis line, text a crisis service, or go to the nearest emergency room right now.

Question 7

Act now if: You've already hurt yourself and feel driven to do it again

Accepted Answer

Self-harm can become a pattern. The sooner you get professional help, the sooner you can find safer ways to cope. What to do: Contact your doctor, a mental health crisis team, or emergency services today. You deserve support to break this cycle.

Question 8

Act now if: You feel you cannot keep yourself safe

Accepted Answer

If you don't trust yourself to stay safe, or if these thoughts are constant and overwhelming, professional support is urgent. What to do: Call a suicide or crisis helpline, contact emergency services, or go to an emergency room. Tell them exactly how you feel.

Thoughts of hurting yourself