Asking for help with self-harm can feel like a big step, especially if you have kept it private for a long time.

You might worry about being judged, misunderstood, pressured to stop, or losing control of what happens next. These worries are common, and they can make reaching out feel more difficult.

Support does not have to start with telling someone everything. It might begin with saying one small thing, sending a message, or asking about support without going into detail.

For some people, the first step is simply being around others who understand – without having to explain anything. For many people, the most helpful support looks at what is happening in their life and how they are feeling – not just the self-harm itself.

If you want to talk to someone you know 

You might choose to talk to:

  • a friend or family member
  • someone you live with
  • a support worker
  • a trusted colleague
  • a therapist or counsellor
  • your GP

You do not have to explain everything perfectly. You could start with something simple, such as:

  • “I’m struggling and I don’t want to deal with it on my own.”
  • “I’ve been hurting myself and I think I need some support.”
  • “I’m worried about how I’m coping.”
  • “I don’t need you to fix it. I just need someone to listen.”

If speaking feels too difficult, you could write things down, send a text, or show someone a webpage that helps explain how you feel.

Talking therapies and longer-term support

Sometimes self-harm is linked to difficult experiences or situations, such as trauma, abuse, relationship problems, loss or feeling unsafe.

Support can help you explore these experiences at your own pace and find other ways of coping with difficult feelings.

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) offers talking therapies and guided self-help for common mental health problems such as anxiety, stress and depression.

You can refer yourself online without seeing a GP. Support may help you understand the feelings or experiences linked to self-harm and develop other ways of coping over time.

LMWS can also signpost you to other support if another service may better meet your needs.

Talking therapies and counselling

If you are looking for other talking therapy options, including private counselling or psychotherapy, visit our Talking therapies and counselling in Leeds page. It explains the different types of therapy available, what to look for when choosing a therapist, and where to search for qualified professionals.

Talk to your GP

You can talk to your GP about self-harm and what support might help.

This could include:

  • talking therapies
  • mental health support
  • help with sleep, anxiety, depression or trauma symptoms
  • support around alcohol, drugs, relationships, housing or money worries
  • referral to another service, if needed

You can also ask for:

  • a longer appointment
  • a particular GP
  • someone to come with you for support
  • notes to be added to your record about what helps you feel safe or listened to 

You do not need to be in crisis to speak to your GP. 

If you need support today

If urges to self-harm feel strong or you are struggling to get through the next few hours, there are services that can support you.

These services can offer support when things feel difficult.

Here For You – Leeds

Here For You is a same-day urgent mental health support service for people aged 16 and over who are struggling to cope, including people having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The service offers:

  • face-to-face support in safe spaces across Leeds
  • one-to-one emotional support
  • telephone support
  • calm spaces and social support
  • help finding longer-term support

This may be helpful if you need support quickly but do not feel that A&E is the right place for you. 

Dial House and Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service 

Dial House is part of the Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service (LSLCS), a survivor-led mental health crisis service in Leeds. 

Support may be available by phone, online messaging and face to face.

Some people find survivor-led support helpful as it can feel less clinical and more focused on feeling heard and understood.

Samaritans

Samaritans offers free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.

You do not have to be suicidal to contact Samaritans. You can contact them if you feel overwhelmed, alone, distressed, numb, ashamed, or worried you may self-harm. 

NHS urgent mental health support

If you, or someone else, needs urgent mental health support:

  • call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health
  • or call 999 in an emergency

You can also text BRIGHT to 85258 for free 24/7 crisis text support in West Yorkshire.

If you want peer support

Some people find it easier to talk to others who understand self-harm from personal experience. 

Battle Scars

Battle Scars is a Leeds charity supporting people affected by self-harm.

It offers peer support services for people who self-harm, as well as those supporting someone who self-harms.

Some people find peer support helps them feel less alone and more understood and accepted, while helping each other develop healthier coping strategies. 

Battle Scars also offers other support options, including face-to-face, virtual and online groups for different age groups and experiences, one-off phone contact with a peer, a self-harm addiction programme, and a wide range of resources. 

Leeds Mind

Leeds Mind offers a range of mental health support services and community-based wellbeing support across Leeds.

This may help if you are looking for support with your wider mental health, confidence, wellbeing or social connection.

You can also find more self-harm support in the MindWell directory.

Support for young people

Night OWLS

Night OWLS provides confidential emotional support for children and young people in West Yorkshire through phone, text and online chat.

MindMate

MindMate provides mental health information and support for children and young people in Leeds.

Last reviewed: August 2026