Self-Harm and Self-Injury Support in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Self-harm and self-injury are serious concerns for many individuals and families in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Understanding what self-harm is, why it happens, and where to get local help can make a critical difference.

What Is Self-Harm?

Self-harm refers to deliberately causing pain or damage to your own body. It can be:

  • Suicidal in intent – when a person is trying to end their life
  • Non-suicidal in intent (self-injury) – when a person hurts themselves to cope with emotional pain, but does not want to die

Self-injury is a type of self-harm where someone deliberately injures themselves without wanting to end their life.

Self-harm is often a sign that a person is experiencing intense emotional pain, distress, or feeling overwhelmed.

Common Forms of Self-Harm

Self-harm can look different from person to person. It may include:

  • Cutting, scratching, or burning the skin
  • Hitting or punching oneself or walls
  • Picking at wounds or preventing them from healing
  • Hair pulling
  • Taking harmful substances (such as poisons, or misusing over-the-counter or prescription medications)
  • Engaging in other behaviours that deliberately cause physical pain or injury

Some people self-harm once or a few times. Others may struggle with self-harming behaviours for many years.

Self-Injury in Young People in Grand Rapids

Self-injury is more common in teenagers and young adults, often beginning between ages 12 and 14. In the Grand Rapids area, young people may face stressors such as:

  • Academic pressure in local middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities
  • Family conflict or relationship issues
  • Bullying, including online bullying
  • Identity-related stress (including LGBTQ+ identity, cultural or religious pressure)
  • Seasonal mood changes, especially during long, dark Michigan winters

Cold, gray winters and reduced sunlight in West Michigan can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression, which may increase the risk of self-harm for some people.

Why Do People Self-Harm?

There is no single reason why people self-harm. Even for one person, the motivation can change over time. Some common reasons include:

  • Expressing emotional pain that feels too hard to put into words
  • Trying to feel something when feeling numb or empty
  • Gaining a sense of control when life feels chaotic
  • Releasing tension or overwhelming emotions
  • Punishing oneself due to guilt, shame, or self-hatred
  • Coping with trauma, abuse, neglect, or loss

Whatever the reason, self-harm is usually a sign that someone is struggling with intense emotional distress and needs support.

Risks of Self-Harm

While self-harm may bring short-term relief, it does not address the underlying issues. Risks include:

  • Serious injury, infection, or accidental death
  • Scarring and long-term physical damage
  • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
  • Higher risk of substance misuse
  • Problems with school, work, or relationships
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts over time

Many people who attempt suicide have a history of self-harm, even if they did not initially want to die when they first started self-injuring.

Signs Someone May Be Self-Harming

It can be difficult to know if someone is self-harming because many people hide their injuries. Trust your instincts if you feel something is wrong. Possible signs include:

  • New marks on the body – unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or scratches
  • Covering up – wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm Michigan summers, avoiding the beach or pool (e.g., Millennium Park beach, local pools)
  • Withdrawal – pulling away from friends, family, school, work, or social activities
  • Changes in mood – increased irritability, sadness, anger, or emotional ups and downs
  • Changes in sleep or appetite – sleeping too much or too little, eating significantly more or less
  • Drop in performance – declining grades or work performance
  • Being secretive – hiding sharp or dangerous objects, being vague about injuries
  • Making excuses – blaming “accidents” that don’t match the injuries

How to Talk With Someone Who May Be Self-Harming

People who self-harm need care, understanding, and support, not judgment or criticism. Many feel deeply ashamed and go to great lengths to hide their behaviour.

If you think someone in Grand Rapids may be self-harming:

  1. Choose a calm, private time and place

    • Avoid rushing the conversation.
    • Make sure you both feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

  2. Start gently

    • “How have you been feeling lately?”
    • “I’ve noticed you seem really stressed/quiet lately. Do you want to talk about it?”

  3. Express concern, not blame

    • “I’m worried about you because I care about you.”
    • “I’ve noticed some marks and I’m concerned about how you’re coping.”

  4. Ask directly about self-harm and suicide

    • “Have you been hurting yourself?”
    • “Are you thinking about suicide?”

    Asking about suicide does not put the idea in someone’s head. It can be a lifesaving question.

  5. Stay calm and listen

    • Let them talk without interrupting.
    • Avoid reacting with shock, anger, or judgment.

  6. Encourage professional help

    • Suggest they talk to a trusted adult, doctor, school counselor, or mental health professional.
    • Offer to help them make an appointment or go with them.

If they are not ready to talk, let them know you are available and try again another time. Encourage them to speak with someone they feel comfortable with.

If You Are Self-Harming in Grand Rapids

If you are self-harming and feel worried about your behaviour:

  • Tell someone you trust – a friend, parent, partner, teacher, coach, pastor, or school counselor
  • Talk to a healthcare provider:
    • Your primary care doctor (many practices in Grand Rapids can refer you to local mental health services)
    • A therapist, psychologist, or counselor

You are not “weak” for needing help. Self-harm is a sign you are dealing with more than one person should have to handle alone.

Local Mental Health Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County, there are several local options for support:

Emergency Help

If you or someone you know is badly hurt or at serious risk of harm:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Go to the nearest emergency department, such as:
    • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital – Downtown Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health facilities in the Grand Rapids area

Crisis Support

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    • Call or text 988 or use online chat
    • Free, confidential, 24/7 support anywhere in Michigan

  • Network180 (Kent County Community Mental Health Authority)

    • Provides crisis services and ongoing mental health and substance use support for Kent County residents
    • 24/7 Crisis Line: check current number on Network180’s official website

  • Local hospital crisis teams

    • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health all have behavioral health and psychiatric services that can be accessed through their emergency departments or by referral.

Ongoing Mental Health Care in Grand Rapids

  • Primary Care Providers

    • Ask your family doctor in Grand Rapids to screen for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions and refer you to a local therapist or psychiatrist.

  • Counselors and Therapists

    • Many licensed therapists in Grand Rapids specialize in teen mental health, trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
    • Options include private practices, community mental health clinics, and hospital-based programs.

  • School & College Counselors

    • Grand Rapids Public Schools, local charter and private schools, and area colleges (like Grand Valley State University’s Grand Rapids campuses, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University) offer counseling services or referrals.

  • Kent County Health Department / Grand Rapids Public Health Resources

    • Provide information and connections to mental health services, especially for low-income or uninsured residents.

Coping Strategies and Alternatives to Self-Harm

While professional support is important, some strategies can help reduce the urge to self-harm in the moment. These are not replacements for treatment, but they can be useful tools:

Safe Alternatives to Release Tension or Strong Emotions

  • Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it gently when distressed
  • Hold or eat an ice cube – the cold sensation can shift your focus
  • Punch a pillow or cushion instead of yourself or walls
  • Draw or write on your skin in the places you usually hurt
  • Tear paper, squeeze a stress ball, or knead clay or putty

Distraction and Grounding

  • Go for a walk on the Grand River trail, in Riverside Park, Millennium Park, or another safe public place
  • Listen to your favorite music, watch a movie, or play a game
  • Call or text a trusted friend or family member
  • Practice deep breathing or guided relaxation
  • Keep a journal and write down thoughts and feelings instead of acting on them

Comfort and Self-Soothing

  • Create a distraction or comfort box with items that help you feel safe or calm:
    • Photos, letters, a favorite book
    • Fidget toys, stress balls, coloring supplies
    • Scented lotion, gum, or tea
  • Do a calming activity: coloring, knitting, painting, or another craft

Make Your Environment Safer

  • Ask someone you trust to remove or lock away sharp or harmful objects
  • Avoid places where you usually self-harm, if possible
  • Limit access to large amounts of medication or substances that could cause harm

Treatment for Self-Harming Behaviour

Self-harming behaviour is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Treatment may include:

  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), especially helpful for self-harm and intense emotions
    • Trauma-focused therapy if there is a history of abuse or trauma

  • Developing coping skills, such as:

    • Recognizing triggers
    • Managing strong emotions in healthier ways
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Building self-esteem and self-compassion

  • Medical care for wounds or injuries

    • Proper wound care to prevent infection and scarring
    • Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider

Recovery takes time. There may be setbacks, but each step toward healthier coping is progress. It’s important not to be too hard on yourself or your loved one.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Self-Harm?

People of all ages can self-harm, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

  • Teenagers and young adults (especially ages 12–19)
  • People living with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
  • People with a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect
  • Those experiencing:
    • Family conflict or relationship problems
    • Bullying or social isolation
    • Academic or work stress
    • Substance misuse
  • LGBTQ+ young people, who may face additional stress related to identity and acceptance
  • Individuals with low self-esteem, poor body image, or strong self-criticism

In West Michigan, additional stressors can include financial strain, housing instability, and seasonal mood changes during winter.

Supporting a Loved One Who Self-Harms

If your child, partner, friend, or family member is self-harming, you may feel scared, angry, or helpless. Your support still matters greatly.

How You Can Help

  • Stay calm and listen – let them share their story at their own pace
  • Avoid threats or ultimatums – forcing them to stop can increase shame and secrecy
  • Reassure them that you care and that they are not alone
  • Encourage professional help – offer to help find a therapist or call a local service together
  • Help with practical steps:
    • Draft a safety plan (who to call, what to do, where to go in a crisis)
    • Make the home environment safer
    • Support them in attending appointments

Get Support for Yourself Too

Supporting someone who self-harms can be emotionally exhausting. It is important for you to seek support as well:

  • Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or faith leader
  • Consider seeing a counselor or therapist for yourself
  • Learn more about self-harm and mental health so you feel better equipped to help

When to Seek Immediate Help in Grand Rapids

Contact emergency services right away if:

  • The person is badly injured
  • There is heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or signs of overdose
  • They have a plan to end their life or have access to lethal means and intend to use them

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital).

If there is no immediate danger but you are very concerned:

  • Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Contact Network180 or your local mental health crisis service
  • Reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional for urgent advice

Key Points

  • Self-injury is more common in young people, but it can affect anyone.
  • Self-harm is usually a sign of intense emotional pain and distress, not a way to “seek attention.”
  • If someone is badly hurt or at serious risk, call 911 or go to a Grand Rapids emergency department immediately.
  • Self-harming behaviour is treatable, and many people recover with the right support and time.
  • Treatment often includes learning healthier ways to manage intense feelings, recognizing triggers, and building coping skills.
  • No one in Grand Rapids has to cope with self-harm alone—local hospitals, clinics, schools, and community mental health services are available to help.