March Is Self-Harm Awareness Month: Why the Orange Ribbon Matters
Self-harm is real, often hidden, and deeply misunderstood. March is Self-Harm Awareness Month—a time to lead with empathy, reduce stigma, and show visible support.
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month—and let’s be honest, it barely gets the recognition it deserves. Unlike big-name campaigns, this one doesn’t come with celebrity endorsements or catchy slogans. But it should. Because self-harm isn’t rare. It’s real. And people are struggling in silence.
Self-harm, or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is often misunderstood as a cry for attention. For most, it’s not about attention—it’s about survival. A way to release internal pain, to feel something when everything feels numb, or to gain control when life feels chaotic.
We don’t need more judgment. We need more empathy.
What Exactly Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm includes any intentional act of hurting one’s body without suicidal intent. For many, it’s a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions—an attempt to manage what feels unbearable.
Common forms of self-harm include:
- Cutting, burning, or hitting oneself
- Pulling out hair (trichotillomania)
- Scratching or picking at skin until it bleeds
- Preventing wounds from healing
- Ingesting harmful substances
It’s not always visible. Many people work hard to hide scars, cover behaviors, and carry shame alongside their pain.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
Self-injury isn’t about wanting to die. It’s about wanting to cope, survive, and make it through another day. People may self-harm to:
- Express feelings they can’t put into words
- Gain a sense of control
- Punish themselves
- Distract from emotional pain with physical pain
- Break through numbness and feel something
The temporary relief can reinforce the behavior, making it hard to stop without support and compassion.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Teens and young adults, especially those under 25
- LGBTQ+ youth, who may face stigma, isolation, or discrimination
- People with trauma histories, including abuse or neglect
- Those living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or borderline personality disorder
Too many suffer in silence, afraid of judgment. Too many hear “you’re just being dramatic” instead of “what do you need?”
Signs Someone May Be Struggling
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns
- Wearing long sleeves in hot weather
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Keeping sharp objects nearby
- Expressions of hopelessness or self-loathing
It’s not about being nosy. It’s about noticing when someone might need a lifeline.
The Orange Ribbon: A Symbol of Support
The orange ribbon represents Self-Harm Awareness. It may seem small, but it carries a big message: You are not alone.
Wearing an Orange Awareness Ribbon Pin during March—or any time of year—shows compassion without words. It says you support mental health, you’re safe to talk to, and you believe in healing.
Real Support That Makes a Difference
We’re not affiliated, but these organizations are showing up for those in pain:
- To Write Love on Her Arms — Hope, storytelling, and access to mental health resources.
- The Trevor Project — Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Crisis Text Line — Free, 24/7 support. Text HOME to 741741.
How You Can Help
- Talk openly. Normalize conversations about mental health and emotional pain.
- Lead with empathy, not advice. Listening is powerful.
- Educate yourself and others. The more we understand, the less we stigmatize.
- Share resources. You never know who needs them.
- Wear an orange ribbon pin to show visible support.
Why Our Pins Matter
Our Self-Harm Awareness products are more than accessories—they’re tools for connection. For showing up. For breaking down walls.
- Orange Ribbon Awareness Enamel Pins — A gentle but bold reminder: you matter, you’re seen, you’re supported.
- Orange Survivor Awareness Ribbon Pins — Sometimes survival itself is the victory.
- Orange Wristbands — Comfortable, visible, and a conversation starter.
✨ Explore all our Orange Awareness Products, including pins, wristbands, and keychains.
These pieces give people permission to talk—or not. They remind us that healing is possible.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the orange ribbon stand for?
The orange ribbon is a symbol of Self-Harm Awareness. It represents compassion, visibility, and hope for those struggling with self-injury or emotional pain.
When is Self-Harm Awareness Month?
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month—a time to educate, raise visibility, and show support for those affected by non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
Who is most at risk of self-harm?
Young people, LGBTQ+ youth, trauma survivors, and those living with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or BPD are at higher risk.
How can I support someone who is struggling?
Offer empathy, listen without judgment, share resources like To Write Love on Her Arms or The Trevor Project, and consider wearing an Orange Awareness Ribbon Pin as a visible sign of support.
Where can I buy orange ribbon pins or wristbands?
Explore our full collection of Orange Awareness Products—including enamel pins, survivor pins, wristbands, and keychains.
Make March Matter
Self-harm may be invisible, but the people who live with it aren’t. Let’s stop pretending it doesn’t exist. Let’s ditch the shame. And let’s make sure no one has to suffer alone.
This March, wear your orange ribbon. Start the conversation. Be the reason someone believes they can get through it.