Overwhelming Thoughts and an Urge to Cut Your Hair: Get Help

That sounds genuinely hard, and you can get support without waiting for a crisis. Because the hair-cutting urge came while your mind felt overwhelmed, pause before acting and check whether it is a wish for a new look or an urge to hurt yourself.

Make the next hour safer

If you might hurt yourself or cannot stay in control, move scissors, razors, and other sharp items away from you and ask a trusted person to sit with you now. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services; if you have already injured yourself, get medical help. If it is only a wish to change your appearance, wait until you feel calm before making a permanent decision.

To settle the rush, put both feet on the floor, breathe out slowly, and name five things you can see. You can also write every thought on paper without trying to solve it yet.

Get support at your pace

• Take the free self-test at /test; it can help you organise what to discuss, but it is not a diagnosis.
• Use /find-help to find a mental-health professional, and ask about fees, language, and online sessions before booking.
• If you want to talk first, Zara is here with you.

If you are sleeping very little, feeling unusually energised, or making risky decisions along with the racing thoughts, tell a professional promptly. You do not need a perfect explanation before asking for help.