Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for care after intentionally hurting yourself. This is called "self-harm." You are probably feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. You might be using physical pain to distract from your feelings or as a way to manage your feelings.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Make an appointment with a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They can work with you to better understand your feelings and behavior and develop healthy ways to cope with stress.
●Care for your wound or wounds as instructed. For example:
•Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. After that, gently wash it with soap and water or take a shower.
•Wash your hands before and after you touch the wound or bandage.
•If the wound was left open, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound 1 to 2 times each day. Then, you can cover it with a bandage or leave it open. Do not use ointment if the wound was closed with skin glue.
•If you have non-dissolving stitches or staples, make sure you have a plan to get these removed.
●Use your safety plan. This includes finding safe ways to cope with stress and difficult situations. For example, it can help to:
•Be aware of what causes you stress.
•Avoid situations that might make you want to harm yourself.
•Distract yourself by reading, writing in a journal, listening to music, or doing a fun activity with a friend.
•Get physical activity. Even gentle activities like walking are good for you.
•Use relaxation techniques to calm down.
•Talk to a family member or friend you trust.
•Keep your environment safe by getting rid of things you might use to hurt yourself.
•If there is a gun in the house, store it safely. It should be unloaded and locked in a secure place such as a gun safe or lock box.
•Have a specific plan to call for help if you need it.
●Avoid using alcohol or other substances to help you cope with stress. Talk to your doctor, counselor, or therapist if you think you might need help with substance use.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have bleeding that does not stop after holding pressure on the area for 10 minutes
•Feel like you cannot stop from harming yourself again or harming someone else
●Call for help right away if you think you might harm yourself again or harm someone else in the future:
•Call your counselor, therapist, or a family member or friend you trust.
•In the US, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
-To speak to someone, call or text 988.
-To talk to someone online, go to chat.988lifeline.org.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your wound hurts more, is not healing, or is draining thick, yellow, or green fluid.
●You think you cannot be alone.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping in times of crisis (The Basics)
Patient education: Generalized anxiety disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Suicide prevention (The Basics)
Patient education: Substance use disorder (The Basics)
