What You Need to Know About Suicide and Self-Harm
Disclaimer:
Information presented in this blog post may be triggering to some people. I am not a therapist or licensed health care provider. If you are in this situation, please for yourself and your loved ones, please get the appropriate help for your needs. If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). If you are located outside the United States, call your local emergency line immediately.
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Facts About Self-Harm
Self-harm involves hurting or harming yourself to relieve stress or any overwhelming emotions. Self-harm starts in adolescents and young adults, it may or may not be a suicide attempt. Some examples are cutting or burning. Other forms of self-harm are hair pulling, biting, and hitting the body with objects. It’s not easy to tell if someone is hurting themselves, they are really good at hiding the scars. Here are signs to look for wearing long sleeves all the time especially in hot weather, unexplained cuts or bruises, bloodstains on clothing or bedding, and feelings of hopelessness. Self-harm is an unhealthy coping mechanism, it’s not a mental illness. There may be illnesses related to self-harm like depression and anxiety. People who self-harm usually target places that are not seen/covered by clothes like the arms, legs, and abs area. People that are at risk are people who experience being bullied, have been abused, have low self-esteem, and have an untreated mental illness. Self-harm is a very serious issue. It can have long-term effects and severe injuries. If not treated or dealt with by professional self-harm can lead to broken bones, permanent scarring, injured nerves, blood vessels, and muscles, suicide, or accidental death.
Facts About Suicide
Worldwide suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults and teens. In the United States it is the 10th leading cause of death overall.
The National Institute of Mental Health defines suicide as a death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt might not result in injury. Suicidal ideation(thoughts) refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.
“Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored.” -The National Institute of Mental Health
The signs that someone may consider suicide varies. Here are some signs of someone who is thinking about suicide. When someone is talking about wanting to die, feeling empty and hopeless, feeling unbearable pain, withdrawing or isolation, showing behavior that can lead to death, and gives away important possessions. Suicide effects people of all ages, race, and genders. The risks factors for suicide are mental illness, chronic pain, family history, and family violence or abuse.
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