Self Harm

Information on Violence Against Self

from the American Psychological Association

http://apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38&ch=8

Some people who have trouble dealing with their feelings don't react by lashing out at others. Instead, they direct violence toward themselves. The most final and devastating expression of this kind of violence is suicide.

Like people who are violent toward others, potential suicide victims often behave in recognizable ways before they try to end their lives. Suicide, like other forms of violence, is preventable. The two most important steps in prevention are recognizing warning signs and getting help. Warning signs of potential self-violence include:

  • previous suicide attempts
  • significant alcohol or drug use
  • threatening or communicating thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
  • sudden increase in moodiness, withdrawal, or isolation
  • major change in eating or sleeping habits
  • feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
  • poor control over behavior
  • impulsive, aggressive behavior
  • drop in quality of school performance or interest
  • lack of interest in usual activity
  • getting into trouble with authority figures
  • perfectionism
  • giving away important possessions
  • hinting at not being around in the future or saying good-bye
  • These warning signs are especially noteworthy in the context of:
  • a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member
  • a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or conflict with parents
  • news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community

    • Often, suicidal thinking comes from a wish to end deep psychological pain. Death seems like the only way out. But it isn't.

    If a friend mentions suicide, take it seriously. Listen carefully, then seek help immediately. Never keep their talk of suicide a secret, even if they ask you to. Remember, you risk losing that person. Forever.

    When you recognize the warning signs for suicidal behavior, do something about it. Tell a trusted adult what you have seen or heard. Get help from a licensed mental health professional as soon as possible. They can help work out the problems that seem so unsolvable but, in fact, are not.

    Take a stand against violence.