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Self-Injury Awareness Day is observed annually on March 1. (Image: Shutterstock)
Self-Injury Awareness Day 2025, observed annually on March 1 aims to raise awareness about self-harm among people. Self-harm refers to a toxic behavioural pattern that may be triggered by a mental health disorder or trauma. Further, depression, anxiety and stress can sometimes lead people to harm themselves. It may also be linked to eating disorders and substance abuse.
Despite progress, there is still much to explore about the causes of self-harm and how to prevent it in our own lives or those of others.
The history of Self-Injury Awareness Day goes back to the 1800s when French Psychiatrist Philippe Pinel noticed the tendencies of some of his psychiatric patients to inflict self-harm. Self harm was declared a symptom of poor mental health in the early 20th century. In 1995, the first International Conference on Self-Mutilation was organised and the first International Society for the Study of Self-Injury was established in 1997.
Self-Injury Awareness Day aims to increase public awareness of self-harm and to debunk myths and biases around it. People who are aware of the issue may have a better understanding of dealing with self-harm.
It calls for people and institutions to recognise tendencies of self-harm around them and promote professional help wherever needed. The goal of this day is to reduce fear and the amount of people who suffer in silence or feel alone.
According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, many young people tend to indulge in self-harm by giving in to the pressure of achieving perfection. Let’s find out some useful tips to avoid self-harm.
Crying releases endorphins and oxytocin, which are natural stress relievers that can elevate your mood, reduce discomfort, and encourage relaxation. Hence it’s considered healthy in maintaining emotions. Further, sleep has a positive impact on the brain function and restores energy levels.
Many try to control their emotions and don’t talk about it. However, admitting your emotions can help in the long run. Talk to your friend, family or anyone else about how you have been feeling lately. If you feel like harming yourself, then instead of hiding it, confront it with someone.
Sometimes people feel irritated with small things or issues and find it hard to express their feelings. Here, writing about emotions can help you feel calm and relaxed. Instead of taking any wrong step in the heat of a moment, you should note down your feelings.
Mental health professionals can help people identify and treat trauma and anxiety or other conditions. They can offer support, advice, and a safe space to talk.
If you know someone who is suffering from feelings of self-harm, you can offer support by empathetic listening and encouraging expert help.
