Non-Suicidal Self Harm

Coping Method

Can Include: cutting or severely scratching skin / burning or scalding /hitting self or banging head /sticking objects into skin / punching self or throwing body into walls and hard objects / preventing wounds from healing /swallowing poisonous substances or inappropriate objects / breaking bones / biting / pulling hair out

A suicide attempt Performed “to get attention” An indication of potential harm to

others A gesture that should be ignored An indication that the person is “crazy”

Scars Fresh unexplained

wounds Keeping sharp objects

on hand Blood stained items Frequent “accidents” Wearing long

sleeves/pants even in hot weather

Isolation/Irritability Need for frequent

time alone

Persistent questions about self identity

Statements about lack of worth, hope or helplessness

Behavioral and emotional instability and impulsivity

Pervasive difficulties in interpersonal relationships

Momentary sense of calm and release of tension

Expresses feelings one cannot verbalize Provides sense of control Distracts from current life situations Relieve guilt/ punish self Way to feel something, treat numbness Outward expression of inward pain

Released in 1999 Features Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder,

Whoopie Goldberg Based on autobiography of Susanna

Kaysen –18 mth stay in mental health institution

Vivid scars on her arms Practices self-harm as a way to release

inner pain This is her method of controlling/coping

with her pain Mocked by Lisa for continued self harm

despite recent release and new home Found hanging with fresh wounds on

her arms

Female Teens/ Young adults Those with friends who self-injure Traumatic life experiences Under the influence of alcohol or drugs Mental health issues

Increased risk of suicide Band-aid on an amputation Long term increases problems Maintaining secrecy difficult/draining Easy to cause serious harm accidentally Addictive Infection Scars

Tell someone!!! Discern the root triggers Develop new coping methods Counseling /therapy Medications Short term hospitalization in some cases Avoid people or websites that glamorize

self-harm

Get informed Offer non-judgmental listening No ultimatums Remind the person they are not alone Share resources and alternative coping

ideas LOVE them (and tell them so) Develop your own support system

National Suicide Prevention Line: (800) 273 TALK (800-273-8255)

S.A.F.E. Alternatives (800) 366-8288For referrals and support for cutting and

self-harm

www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/self-injury

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury