27/11/2025
Self-harm is often misunderstood.
For many people, it develops as a way to cope with emotions that feel intense, overwhelming, or impossible to express. It can offer temporary relief, but it usually comes with shame, secrecy, or fear of judgment.
Understanding self-harm means looking beneath the behaviour and recognising the distress that sits underneath it. People who self-harm are not trying to cause problems. They are trying to cope.
Support can involve learning new ways to manage difficult feelings, building safer coping strategies, and having someone who can listen without panic or judgment. With the right understanding, people can and do find steadier ways to get through challenging moments.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with self-harm, help is available.
Samaritans: 116 123
Text HELLO to 50808
SouthDoc (Cork & Kerry): 0818 355 999
Emergency services: 999 or 112