Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

 

Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

 

If you never had to experience the harsh reality of someone taking their own life, this week is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself. Even if you have not had a suicide experience, knowledge is essential. Suicide is very prominent in today’s society. Know the signs and some tips to get assistance is KEY to fighting such a tragic loss of life.

 

Since the tragic suicide of my own mother in 1994, I have come to the realization that knowing the warning sign is not enough. You have to know how to actively and successfully rescue a person who is so depressed and feeling hopeless that death is the only possible answer.

 

In observance of suicide prevention week (last week), here are some simple tips to help you or anyone you may suspect as suicidal get the guidance and strength to overcome the thoughts and temptations of suicide.

 

 

 

#1 Talk is NOT cheap when it comes to talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. When this experience happens, cling to the person to make them feel loved and important to you, family and life. If it’s said don’t ignore, thinking it will go away. It is REAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS!

 

Call the suicide lifeline at 1 800 273 TALK (8255)

 

#2 There is no predictable pattern when someone wants to end their life. Warning signs are clues to act, but no warning signs is the same for everyone or on certain days. Suicidal actions can be quick or progressive over time. You never know. Action is KEY.

 

Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

 

#3 Don’t panic and make the person feel awkward or strange for having feelings about death. The person probably already feels hopeless and worthless for wanting death. REMAIN CALM AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.

 

 

Don’t ignore the need for therapy or counseling to work through whatever issue you may think is bigger than you. Your life is more important than any issue.

 

Visit ginmanconsulting.com to schedule an appointment NOW.

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

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.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

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

Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

Your Attention is the Lifeline of Suicide Prevention

If you never had to experience the harsh reality of someone taking their own life, this week is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself. Even if you have not had a suicide experience, knowledge is essential. Suicide is very prominent in today’s society. Know the signs and some tips to get assistance is KEY to fighting such a tragic loss of life.

Since the tragic suicide of my own mother in 1994, I have come to the realization that knowing the warning sign is not enough. You have to know how to actively and successfully rescue a person who is so depressed and feeling hopeless that death is the only possible answer.

In observance of suicide prevention week, here are some simple tips to help you or anyone you may suspect as suicidal get the guidance and strength to overcome the thoughts and temptations of suicide.

#1 Talk is NOT cheap when it comes to talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself. When this experience happens, cling to the person to make them feel loved and important to you, family and life. If it’s said don’t ignore, thinking it will go away. It is REAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS!

Call the suicide lifeline at 1 800 273 TALK (8255)

#2 There is no predictable pattern when someone wants to end their life. Warning signs are clues to act, but no warning signs is the same for everyone or on certain days. Suicidal actions can be quick or progressive over time. You never know. Action is KEY.

Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

#3 Don’t panic and make the person feel awkward or strange for having feelings about death. The person probably already feels hopeless and worthless for wanting death. REMAIN CALM AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.

Don’t ignore the need for therapy or counseling to work through whatever issue you may think is bigger than you. Your life is more important than any issue.

Visit ginmanconsulting.com to schedule an appointment NOW.

Forget “13 Reasons Why” Try 3 Ways to Approach “The Suicide Talk”

Forget “13 Reasons Why” Try 3 Ways to Approach “The Suicide Talk”

Today the suicide rate of teens have increased drastically. According to USA Today (March 2018), “…suicidal thoughts and actions more than doubled from 2008 to 2015.” The mental health of youth is an important factor that needs to be addressed effectively and without shame.

I recently read an article that attributed the film and TV series “13 Reasons Why” to the increase of teen suicide. Realistically, the show cannot be the main contributing factor to the rise of teen suicide. The lack of sufficient and useful knowledge is the issue. It’s  time to look at how the conversation of suicide is approached.

#1 Research, Relate, Recite

The best way to talk about it is to know about it. The internet offers many reliable and credible sources to gain the knowledge you need about dealing with teen suicide. Try searching Amazon for some great books.

#2 Support and Success

Your local support groups and community resources can provide hope in a hopeless situation. Hearing others’ struggles and success stories can be very educational and eye opening to the reality of suicide and its effects. You can use Google to locate your nearest suicide support group. NAMI is another great community outreach resource. Remember if the first resource or support group does not fit your style, don’t give up, visit others until you find the right one.

#3 Do It The Professional Way

Don’t be ashamed to seek professional advice and guidance. Your local psychiatrist or therapist can give you the insight you need into suicide facts and prevention. The majority of EAPs and insurance will cover the fee for free. The sessions are confidential so don’t worry about who will know you attended a therapy session.

For immediate attention call the suicide prevention lifeline at 

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

If you are bothered by approaching the topic of suicide let GMC take on the task that can save lives.

Schedule a FREE consultation at ginmanconsulting.setmore.com

Visit ginmanconsulting.com for more information.

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