Self-injury help can include emergency hotlines, counseling, hospitalization, and support groups. The most suitable form of help depends on the patient, and it may be necessary to try several resources before finding one that works. Support from friends and family, who might want to consider attending workshops, trainings, or counseling sessions to discuss self-injury help, can also be a critical part of the process of recovery and the prevention of future episodes of self-injury.
People often engage in self-injury as a coping strategy to manage stress and trauma, although it can also be a component of some mental illnesses. Like many maladaptive behaviors, it can be difficult to stop unless the patient commits to treatment. Patients forced into care may not experience lasting benefits and could be more traumatized. Providing resources about self-injury help without pressure can help patients access the care they need in an environment that is not judgmental.
Crisis hotlines are free, and administered by a variety of organizations. People can call a hotline to talk to a counselor if they feel like engaging in self-injury, or if they want to get more information about self-injury help in their areas. Counselors can provide a variety of services and assistance. Some people find it helpful to come out about self harm to a stranger like a crisis counselor, who can provide tips and tricks on talking to family, friends, and care providers about the situation.
Support groups are another option. These can be run through self-injury help organizations, hospitals, or counseling offices. Sometimes patients create their own through a network. At a support group, people can talk about their experiences and meet up with buddies who may be available to help in crisis. Counseling in private may also be helpful and can be provided confidentially by therapists.
Some people may be able to access self-injury help through an organization they are affiliated with. Students, for example, can often visit a counseling center to get advice and help. Professional organizations sometimes also offer assistance with mental health and health crisis situations to their members; physicians, for example, can contact private counseling services for assistance with work-related stress.
Sometimes hospitalization is necessary for self-injury help, either because a patient needs inpatient care, or because a patient is at serious risk of severe or fatal injury. In a hospital, care providers can provide intensive counseling, group therapy, and other resources that patients may find helpful. The patient can also receive medical treatment for wounds and counseling on cosmetic surgery and other options available to minimize the scarring left behind after self-injury.
