Self Harm and Suicide

What is self-harm?

• Self-harm is a common way to seek attention

• Self-harm is a form of self-expression

• Self-harm is a healthy coping mechanism

• Self-harm is the act of deliberately harming oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain, distress, or trauma.

What are some common methods of self-harm?

• cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, hair-pulling

• punching, biting, drowning

What are the warning signs of someone who may be at risk of self-harm?

• Warning signs of self-harm include increased participation in social activities

• Warning signs of self-harm include consistent and stable mood

• Warning signs of self-harm include excessive happiness and positivity

• Warning signs of self-harm include talking about feeling hopeless, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, withdrawing from social activities, expressing feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and displaying extreme mood swings.

What is the difference between suicidal ideation and suicide attempt?

• The main difference is that suicidal ideation is thinking about suicide, whereas a suicide attempt is the actual act of trying to end one's life.

• Suicidal ideation is always followed by a suicide attempt.

• Suicidal ideation is a temporary feeling, while a suicide attempt is a permanent decision.

• Suicidal ideation is a cry for help, while a suicide attempt is a sign of weakness.

How can someone help a friend who is struggling with self-harm?

• Support your friend by listening, encouraging professional help, offering support, and helping them find healthy coping mechanisms.

• Ignore the situation and hope it goes away on its own

• Minimize the seriousness of self-harm

• Tell your friend to just stop self-harming without offering support

What are some healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with emotional distress?

• Ignoring the emotions and pretending everything is fine.

• Engaging in self-harm, substance abuse, and risky behaviors.

• Eating junk food, binge-watching TV shows, and avoiding social interactions.

• Engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, journaling, and practicing relaxation techniques.

What should you do if you suspect someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves?

• Call emergency services or a crisis hotline, stay with the person, remove objects that could be used for self-harm, and listen without judgment.

• Confront the person and tell them to stop being dramatic

• Ignore the situation and hope it resolves on its own

• Leave the person alone and let them deal with it themselves

What are some myths and facts about suicide?

• People who attempt suicide are just seeking attention

• Only individuals with mental health issues are at risk of suicide

• Some myths about suicide include the belief that talking about suicide will plant the idea in someone's head, or that people who talk about suicide are not serious. Some facts about suicide include the importance of taking all suicide threats seriously and seeking help from mental health professionals.

• Suicide is always an impulsive act

How can mental health resources be accessed for individuals struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts?

• Learn a new language

• Visit a hair salon

• Take up extreme sports

• Contact helplines, seek therapy, consult healthcare provider, use online resources.

What are some ways to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the community?

• Selling merchandise

• Hosting bake sales

• Organizing workshops, providing resources, destigmatizing issues, offering support groups, collaborating with local organizations

• Ignoring the issue