Understanding Suicide and Self-harm
Discovering the similarities and differences between self-harm and suicide.
Self-harm is thought to be directly linked with suicide but this isn't the case. The two are actually as different as night and day. Unfortunately the two oftentimes get grouped together because both are inflictions of pain and sometimes people who begin with self-harm may later commit suicide. Generally people who self-harm do not wish to kill themselves; whereas suicide is a way of ending life.
One significant difference between suicide and self-harm is intent. Simply put, a suicidal person sees no other way out and wants to end his or her life. People who are contemplating suicide are experiencing life stressors and possibly depression in which they don't have an escape. Suicide is their attempt to escape pain and suffering, and not burdening loved ones any longer. Suicidal acts usually come from a place of hopelessness, depression and worthlessness.The underlying mindset between someone who is suicidal and someone who self-harms is very different.
On the flip side, many people who self-harm view hurting themselves as a way of coping with life. In fact, for some, the self-infliction of pain reassures them they are still alive. This is especially true when they are experiencing emotional numbness or feeling disconnected with the world around them. Plus, self-harming can cause changes in the brain chemistry, which gives the effects of a "rush" and can easily become addictive and highly dangerous.
One significant difference between suicide and self-harm is intent. Simply put, a suicidal person sees no other way out and wants to end his or her life. People who are contemplating suicide are experiencing life stressors and possibly depression in which they don't have an escape. Suicide is their attempt to escape pain and suffering, and not burdening loved ones any longer. Suicidal acts usually come from a place of hopelessness, depression and worthlessness.The underlying mindset between someone who is suicidal and someone who self-harms is very different.
On the flip side, many people who self-harm view hurting themselves as a way of coping with life. In fact, for some, the self-infliction of pain reassures them they are still alive. This is especially true when they are experiencing emotional numbness or feeling disconnected with the world around them. Plus, self-harming can cause changes in the brain chemistry, which gives the effects of a "rush" and can easily become addictive and highly dangerous.
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Clear differences between the two:
Self-harm is a form of mutilation while suicide is the deliberate taking of one’s life. |
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is the intentional and deliberate hurting of oneself. Most commonly it is done by:
- Cutting
- Burning
- Hitting
- Picking at the skin
- Pulling hair
- Biting
- Carving
What are the warning signs of self-harm?
- Many cuts/burns on the wrists, arms, legs, back, hips, or stomach
- Wearing baggy or loose clothes (e.g., wearing hoodies or long sleeves during hot days to conceal the wounds)
- Always making excuses for having cuts, marks or wounds on the body
- Finding razors, scissors, lighters or knives in strange places (i.e., the nightstand drawer or under the bed)
- Spending long periods locked in a bedroom or bathroom
- Isolation and avoiding social situations
Why do people self-harm?
- To escape their feelings
- To cope with life stressors
- To express their pain
- To punish themselves (Some people mutilate their bodies to punish themselves for what's going on in their lives. They lack the appropriate coping skills and suffer from low self-esteem so they feel that they deserve what they are doing to themselves.)
- To feel euphoria. (It's true. When we get hurt endorphins are released into the blood stream, resulting in a "natural high" or a feeling of euphoria. Self-harming behaviors can be addictive and habit forming.)
What is suicide?
Suicide is the voluntary and intentional act of taking of one’s life. Suicide is commonly carried out through:
- Firearms (number one method by men and women)
- Hanging (most commonly done by men)
- Drug Overdose (most commonly done by women)
The warning signs of suicide:
While some suicides may occur without any warning signs, most people who are suicidal do give warnings, such as:
- Increasing their alcohol and/or other drug use
- Taking unnecessary risks and impulsivity
- Threatening suicide and/or expressing a strong wish to die
- Exhibiting rage and/or anger
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Fascinating over or preoccupying oneself with death
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Isolating or withdrawing oneself
- Displaying mood swings
- Telling loved ones goodbye
- Setting one's affairs in order
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions
- Referring to death via poetry, writings and drawings
- Exhibiting dramatic changes in personality or appearance
- Changing eating or sleeping patterns
- Declining in performance
Why do people commit suicide?
Here are the top six reasons:
- They're depressed
- They're psychotic
- They're impulsive
- They're crying out for help
- They have a philosophical desire to die
- They've made a mistake
The difference between the mindset of a self-harmer and a person contemplating suicide:
There's a difference in the mindset of a self-harmer and someone who is suicidal. The major difference is that of “intent”. With suicide the intent is to bring end to one’s life; to end pain and suffering. Conversely, with self-harm the intent is one of trying to find relief and release from emotional pain and distress.
Most people who engage in self-harming do so as a means to cope with their distress (avoid suicide) rather than escape it by committing suicide. Self-harm is a response to painful emotions. Unfortunately self-harm may become a habitual way of coping with stress.
The injuries caused by self-harm may be serious or superficial, but any form of self-mutilationis a sign of emotional distress and should be taken seriously. Self-harm is oftentimes confused with suicidal behavior. A person who self-harms does not intend to commit suicide, but their self-injurious behavior may result in an accidental death.
Most people who engage in self-harming do so as a means to cope with their distress (avoid suicide) rather than escape it by committing suicide. Self-harm is a response to painful emotions. Unfortunately self-harm may become a habitual way of coping with stress.
The injuries caused by self-harm may be serious or superficial, but any form of self-mutilationis a sign of emotional distress and should be taken seriously. Self-harm is oftentimes confused with suicidal behavior. A person who self-harms does not intend to commit suicide, but their self-injurious behavior may result in an accidental death.
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If you or someone you know self-harms or shows warning signs for suicide, please seek help.
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Click to a directory of therapists in your area.
Resources:
Cornell University Research Center on Self-Injury: http://www.crpsib.com/default.asp
Self Injury Foundation: this foundation promotes awareness for those who self-injure and works to provide funding for research, advocacy, and support for those who self-injure and their families.
1-800-334-HELP http://www.selfinjury.com/
Adolescent Self Injury Foundation: an organization that works to raise awareness about adolescent self-injury and provides education, prevention tips, and resources for self-injurious adolescents and their families.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Self-Injury Helpline: 1-800-DONT-CUT (366-8288)
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
Self-injury Help Guides:
http://helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
http://www.westminster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/45729/Self-Harm_Suicide-thoughts_Mind-Matter-Lflet-BACK-COVER--.pdf
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/assets/PDF/publications/truth_about_self_harm.pdf
Resources:
Cornell University Research Center on Self-Injury: http://www.crpsib.com/default.asp
Self Injury Foundation: this foundation promotes awareness for those who self-injure and works to provide funding for research, advocacy, and support for those who self-injure and their families.
1-800-334-HELP http://www.selfinjury.com/
Adolescent Self Injury Foundation: an organization that works to raise awareness about adolescent self-injury and provides education, prevention tips, and resources for self-injurious adolescents and their families.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Self-Injury Helpline: 1-800-DONT-CUT (366-8288)
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
Self-injury Help Guides:
http://helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
http://www.westminster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/45729/Self-Harm_Suicide-thoughts_Mind-Matter-Lflet-BACK-COVER--.pdf
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/assets/PDF/publications/truth_about_self_harm.pdf
