March 1st is Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD)—but if you’re here, it’s not just about a day. Maybe you’re struggling. Maybe someone you love is. Maybe you’re looking for answers, for understanding, for hope. So let’s start with this: You are not broken. You are not too much. And you are not alone. If self-harm has been part of your story, I want you to know that it doesn’t have to be the whole story. There is more ahead for you— even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

What Is Self-Injury?

Self-injury, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to deliberately harming oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, or overwhelming feelings. It’s often misunderstood, but self-harm is not about seeking attention—it’s about trying to manage distress when other coping strategies feel out of reach.

Common forms of self-injury include:

🔹 Cutting, scratching, or burning the skin

🔹 Hitting or punching oneself

🔹 Picking at wounds to prevent healing

🔹 Engaging in risky behaviours with the intent to cause harm

While self-injury may bring temporary relief, it does not address the underlying emotions driving the behaviour. Over time, it can lead to increased feelings of guilt, isolation, and shame. The good news? There are other ways to cope, and help is available.

Why People Self-Harm (And What It’s Not)

Self-harm isn’t about “seeking attention.” It’s a way of coping. A way to make emotional pain feel real, visible, or even manageable—if only for a moment. If you’ve turned to self-injury, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’ve been carrying something heavy and trying to find a way to handle it.

But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it alone.

There are other ways to cope. There are people who want to help. And no, you’re not a burden for needing support.

What to Try Instead

If you feel the urge to self-harm, here are a few things that might help in the moment:

🌿 Hold ice cubes – The intense sensation can ground you without causing harm.

🖊 Write (even if it’s messy) – Let the words spill out, no filter needed.

🎨 Create something – Art, music, even doodling on a napkin can help externalize feelings.

💨 Breathe (really, just try) – Slow inhales, slow exhales. Even if it doesn’t feel like it’s working, it’s doing something.

📞 Reach out – A friend, a helpline, a therapist. Someone who can hold space for you.

It’s okay if these don’t feel like enough at first. Healing takes time. But you deserve support, not scars.

If You Need Help, Here’s Where to Start

Maybe reaching out feels impossible. Maybe it’s the last thing you want to do. But if you can, even just a little bit, here are people who will listen—without judgment.

Edmonton & Spruce Grove Resources

Alberta Mental Health Help Line (24/7, free & confidential): 1-877-303-2642
WestView Mental Health Clinic (Spruce Grove): 780-342-1340
SACE (Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton): www.sace.ca / 780-423-4121
The Alex Mental Health & Addiction Support (Edmonton): www.thealex.ca / 780-424-8335
e4c Mental Health Support (Edmonton): www.e4calberta.org / 780-424-7543

Canada-Wide Support

Talk Suicide Canada (24/7 Crisis Line): www.talksuicide.ca / 1-833-456-4566 / Text: 45645 (4 PM - 12 AM ET)
Kids Help Phone (For Youth & Young Adults): www.kidshelpphone.ca / 1-800-668-6868 / Text CONNECT to 686868
Hope for Wellness (For Indigenous Support): www.hopeforwellness.ca / 1-855-242-3310
Find Help Near You: www.211.ca
To Write Love On Her Arms (Global Support & Encouragement for Mental Health): www.twloha.com

A Final Thought

If no one has told you today—you matter. Not just to the people around you but to the world. To yourself. To your future. There is more ahead for you. Give yourself the chance to see it. If you need help, please reach out. You are not alone.

March 1 is self-injury awareness day. If you’re struggling, read this: You are not alone.