Is Self-Harm Suicidal?

 

Is Self-Harm Suicidal?

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One of the things people do to get over emotional pain is to try to numb the pain, and in the process, they get into self-harm. Mostly, self-harm is a coping mechanism that those struggling with their emotions turn to. In some cases, self-harm is intentional from the onset, while in other cases, it’s a resultant effect of what people are doing to relieve pain.

 

Mental Conditions Associated with Self-Harming Behaviors

Although self-harm is not a mental health disorder, it is a resultant effect of going through some mental conditions like:

1. Depression

2. Eating disorder

3. History of abuse

4. Substance misuse

5. History of violence

6. Family dysfunction

7. Borderline personality disorder                                   

8. Post-traumatic distress disorder

 

Self-Harm and Suicide

The intent of self-harm is different from that of suicide. In self-harm, the victim wants to numb their pain, while in suicide, the victim wants to take their life. It is important to note that their symptoms are similar, making it difficult to predict if a person is self-harming or attempting suicide. But either way, identifying the symptoms in you or your loved one and looking out for prevention measures will go a long way in avoiding the two. 

 

The Difference Between Suicide and Self-Harm

1. Self-harm causes damage on the surface of the body, while suicide is more lethal.

2. The intent of self-harming is to feel better from emotional pain. In suicide, it is to end one’s life.

3. The stats of committing suicide are low compared to self-harm, which is mostly done regularly or at intervals as a coping mechanism for pain.

 

 

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Symptoms and Prevention of Self-Harm

Symptoms and Prevention of Self-Harm

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In the United States, the stats reveal that the self-harm cases reported are close to 2 million yearly, and of this number, teens have the highest percentage. This shows that we must pay adequate attention to our loved ones, especially when they are going through emotional downtime. Although it’s quite difficult to notice a person self-harming because it’s mostly done in secret, there are symptoms you can watch out for when you suspect your loved one or friend is self-harming.

 

These symptoms include:

1. Headbanging

2. Anxiety and shame  

3. Cutting and burning

4. Emotional instability

5. Wearing long clothes

6. Scars and broken bones

7. Bruises and fresh injuries

8. Depression and mood swings

9. Spending more time alone than usual

10. Keeping sharp objects at hand most times

11. Withdrawal from people and fun activities

12. The feeling of helplessness and hopelessness

 

Prevention of Self-Harm

Even though self-harm is not tantamount to committing suicide, one still must be careful because continuous self-harm might result in suicide. This is why in dealing with people going through any form of emotional pain, self-harm must be prevented, especially when the person going through the pain is showing the tendencies of self-harming. To prevent your loved ones from self-harming from the onset or from continuing the practice:

1. Provide healthy distractions

2. Schedule a psychological evaluation

3. Involve in individual or group therapy

4. Improve healthy and encouraging communication

Lastly, another important thing to pay attention to in preventing self-harm is positive affirmation. Remind yourself or your loved one that, as C. JoyBell C. said, “The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.”

 

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com