Suicide And Self-harm

Warning Signs And Coping Skills

Suicide is a serious thing. So many people who struggle with their mental health have had thoughts of suicide. Some of you may even know someone who has died because of suicide. People who choose suicide are in such a deep and hopeless place in their thoughts that they feel that there is no other way. This is why someone who feels like there is no hope needs some help.

Signs Of Suicidal Ideations

• Severe and long-lasting sadness and depression with the feeling of no hope.

• Constant mood swings and unexpected rage.

• Withdrawal from family and friends, and avoiding any kind of social activities.

• Loss of interest in everything that they once enjoyed.

• Sleep problems can be caused by many things but depression can also be a big factor.

• Changes in personality and appearance can be followed by mood changes.

• Traumatic experiences such as the loss of a loved one, (Parent, child, friend, or pet) can affect the mental state. The loss of them can feel like the end of the world.

• Same goes for the loss of a job or the end of a relationship can make someone with mental health issues take it very hard.

• Preparations of death such as, getting everything in order. Making a will, giving away personal possessions, making unexpected visits to family and friends. Buying a gun or other means that can lead to death. Many write a goodbye note.

• Some will talk about death but not necessarily come right out and say that they are thinking about suicide.

• And self-harm or dangerous behaviors may have already been mentioned or done. Such as drug increase, alcohol abuse, driving reckless, careless sex, and careless spending of money.

If you or anyone you know have shown or expressed any of these please seek help. 988 is a new and convenient way to get in touch with someone who can direct you to a professional who can help.

Self-Harm

What is self-harm? Self-harm is hurting yourself on purpose. For someone who has struggled with this, I know that self-harm is done as a form of control and release. When someone can’t control what is happening around them or even their thoughts, they know that they can take control of their own body. If someone is overwhelmed with emotional pain some find that physical pain helps temporarily. As unhealthy as it can be, self-harm is used as a coping device. What are some types of self-harm?

• Cutting their own body with sharp instruments.

• Scratching hard enough to bleed.

• Burn oneself

• Hit oneself

• Pull out hair

• Pick open wounds

Using self-harm to cope is not the answer to long term help though. And if someone drinks or uses drugs, this coping habit will only get worse. Finding other ways to cope with emotional distress is important. Learning why you have emotional distress if you don’t already know is important. The first step to help is talking to someone like a parent, friend, doctor, or Psychiatrist. Let them know what you are feeling and tell them your thoughts.

When talking to a professional, they can help you learn why you are feeling the way that you do. After the professional learns about who you are, medication may also be part of the plan to help you feel better.

Learn Better Coping Skills

• Psychodynamic Therapy is where the doctor talks to you about your past and anything that may have happened that affects your emotions. Some people don’t like to talk about bad past experiences but it can help.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is where you will learn about your thoughts and emotions and how they affect you. Once you understand your thoughts and emotions, you will learn how to better respond and react to them. This will in turn, help you cope and feel better about yourself.

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is where you will learn how to change destructive and bad behaviors. You will also learn how to regulate your emotions better, and learn how to be mindful (live in the moment). When you are in better control of yourself, you will be able to cope with life better.

When these skills are learned, practiced, and used you will be able to cope with the struggles that life throws at you in a better way. It can help reduce anxiety and anger that you might have when dealing with problems. All of this will benefit you if you let it. Be open and honest with your doctors and yourself, and you should be on the path to a better you. Remember 988 when you feel that you are in an emotional crisis. Someone on the other end should be able to assist you.