Crawford County Health Department Shares Warning Signs for Self-Harm Awareness Month
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Crawford County Health Department Shares Warning Signs for Self-Harm Awareness Month
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, the Crawford County Health Department is urging parents, caregivers, and educators to stay informed and supportive of youth mental health. According to Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) self-harm incidents among adolescents typically rise following school breaks and during the high-pressure weeks leading up to the end of the school year.
Self-harm refers to intentional actions taken to hurt oneself as a way to cope with overwhelming emotional pain, stress, or anxiety. While it is not always an attempt at suicide, it is a sign of deep distress that requires immediate and compassionate attention.
The Crawford County Health Department’s goal is to ensure that every young person in Crawford County feels supported and has access to healthy coping tools. We want parents to know the signs and feel empowered to have open, judgment-free conversations with their children.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Watch For: Self-harm is often done in secret, but there are physical and behavioral signs that may indicate a struggle:
• Unexplained injuries: Cuts, burns, or bruises, especially on the arms, legs, or stomach.
• Inappropriate clothing: Wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather to hide injuries.
• Increased Secrecy: Spending excessive time alone or becoming unusually withdrawn from friends and family.
• Possession of sharp objects: Finding razors, knives, or other items used for self-injury in unusual places.
• Mood shifts: Significant changes in emotional regulation or behavior.
How to Help: If you suspect a young person is self-harming, the following steps are recommended:
1. Address it Directly: Do not ignore the signs or assume it is a "phase." Approach the conversation with calm and care.
2. Listen Without Judgment: Allow them to share their feelings without trying to immediately "fix" the problem or offer a lecture. Validation is key.
3. Remove Access: Secure items that could be used for self-injury.
4. Seek Professional Support: Contact a school counselor, pediatrician, or mental health professional.
Resources Available to Crawford County Families:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, 24/7 support from trained counselors.
• CredibleMind: Residents can access free mental health tools and evidence-based practices and parent guides at https://crawfordcounty.crediblemind.com/topics/self-injury
• Local Providers: We work closely with community partners to ensure families can navigate to the care they need. Local list of mental health providers are available at
• DHS Website: Wisconsin Department of Health Services has resources and information on self-harm and ways to help, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/injury-prevention/self-harm.htm
The Crawford County Health Department remains committed to building a resilient community where mental health is a priority.
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