Self-injury Awareness Day

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a global event held annually on 1 March. Its purpose is to remove the stigma associated with self-injury and to encourage Parents, family members, educators, and health care professionals recognize the signs of self-harm.

History of Self-injury Awareness Day

Self-injury Awareness Day is an international event that is recognized by all over the world. LifeSIGNS always contribute Self-Injury Awareness Day for many years and we are the number one resource for SIAD resources.

Raising awareness about self-injury plays an important role. Awareness leads to understanding and empathy, eliminating judgment and fear, and reducing the number of people who feel lonely and suffer in silence.

Raising awareness is about educating for people who do not self-injury and get out of them.

When someone intentionally injures or harms themselves, that action is a sign of emotional distress. According to the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine’s report, about 4% of Americans self-harm, with the majority being college students. The day is intended to help friends and family recognize the signs and help those suffering seek help.

Self-injury has many forms, including cutting, scratching, punching, and chemical ingestion. Some of them include dealing with fear, stress, anxiety, or creating positive feelings.

People who self-injure may try to hide their injury. Their clothes may not be up to the season. Other signs may include:

• Unexplained cuts, burns or bruises
• Inability to process emotions
• Avoid relationships
• Problems with relationships
• Problems at work, home, or school
• Low self esteem

It is available to help understand and treat self-injury by resources and support. Seeking professional advice is a necessary first step.

How to celebrate Self-injury Awareness Day

There are several ways to get involved in compliance. Learn more about self-injury and get help if you need it. Organizations around the country will host events with speakers and seminars designed to initiate dialogue and provide useful information. Understand that no one has to suffer alone, and get help.

• Participate in an event or host one near you.
• Wear orange to show your support.
• Remove the stigma and other mental health concerns.
• Start the conversation.
• Find resources and support by visiting the Discovery Center.

Use the hashtag #SelfInjuryAwarenessDay to share your story on social media for spread and encouragement.