March is recognized as Self-Harm Awareness Month, a time when public health officials and advocacy groups are calling renewed attention to a behavior that often remains hidden but carries serious consequences for individuals and communities. Health experts say the observance comes amid continued concern about rising mental health challenges, particularly among young people and marginalized populations.

Self-harm, defined as intentional self-injury or self-poisoning regardless of suicidal intent, is more common than many realize and frequently underreported. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 616,000 emergency department visits for self-harm injuries in 2022, underscoring the scale of the issue. The agency also reports that suicide, which is closely linked to self-harm behaviors, remains a leading cause of death, with more than 49,000 deaths recorded in 2023.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, noting that previous self-harm is one of the strongest risk factors for future suicide. Researchers emphasize that many who engage in self-harm are not attempting to end their lives but are instead coping with overwhelming emotional distress, trauma, or feelings of numbness.

In the United States, disparities are also evident across racial and ethnic groups. The CDC reports that suicide rates are highest among Native American and Alaska Native populations, while systemic barriers to mental health care continue to affect Black and Latino communities. Experts say stigma, cultural perceptions of mental health, and lack of culturally competent care can delay or prevent individuals from seeking help.

Mental health professionals stress that self-harm is often a coping mechanism rather than a desire to die. “For some individuals, self-harm provides temporary relief from intense emotional pain,” according to clinical guidance published by the National Institutes of Health. However, the same guidance warns that repetition is common and significantly increases the risk of suicide, particularly within the first year after an incident.

Health advocates say one of the most important messages during Self-Harm Awareness Month is that safer alternatives exist—especially ones that can be used in moments of acute distress. Clinicians often recommend quick, accessible techniques that mimic some of the sensory or emotional effects of self-harm without causing injury. These can include holding ice or running hands under cold water to create a sharp physical sensation, which some individuals find grounding. Others may find relief through brief, intense physical activity such as doing push-ups or running in place, which can help release built-up tension and shift focus away from harmful urges.

Creative expression is another commonly recommended alternative. Writing down overwhelming thoughts, drawing, or even tearing paper can provide an outlet for emotions that feel difficult to verbalize. Some individuals benefit from using safe objects like stress balls or snapping a rubber band on the wrist, though experts caution that not all substitutes are appropriate for everyone and should be discussed with a mental health professional. Distraction techniques, such as listening to music, watching a short video, or reaching out to a trusted friend, can also help interrupt urges long enough for them to pass.

Experts emphasize that while these alternatives may offer immediate relief, they are not a replacement for ongoing care. Long-term support, including therapy, community connection, and access to culturally competent mental health services, is critical. Public health organizations increasingly highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to communities of color, where mistrust of healthcare systems and lack of access can compound risk.

As awareness efforts continue throughout March, health leaders are urging individuals to recognize warning signs, check in on loved ones, and seek professional help when needed. Self-harm, they stress, is not a personal failure but a signal of distress that deserves attention and care. Expanding access to resources and reducing stigma, particularly in underserved communities, remain central to prevention efforts.

Self-Harm Awareness Month ultimately serves as a reminder that behind the statistics are individuals navigating pain that is often unseen—and that with timely support, understanding, and practical coping tools, recovery is possible.