Self-harm and suicidal ideation are serious issues that can affect anyone of any age and any background, and it’s important to understand the mental, physical, and emotional signs and symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing these feelings, it’s crucial to seek professional help. You are not alone, and we are here to support you.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts you may also notice struggling with persistent, intrusive thoughts about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life. These thoughts can be overwhelming, and may interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to focus or function.
If you are struggling with suicidal ideation you may engage in harsh self-criticism, believing they you are to blame for your struggles or that you are unworthy of help or love. These negative thought patterns can reinforce feelings of hopelessness and guilt, further deepening the distress and increasing the risk of self-harm.
If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, a common sign to pay attention to is the fixation on thoughts of death, dying, or the idea of ending your life. This can involve constantly thinking about how you would carry out suicide, experiencing vivid fantasies about death, or imagining the lives of loved ones without you.
One of the most apparent physical signs of self-harm is the presence of cuts, burns, or bruises on the body. Individuals who engage in self-injurious behaviours may try to hide the marks, wearing long sleeves or pants even in warm weather to cover the injuries.
If you are struggling with suicidal ideation you may begin to experience derealization or depersonalization. These are conditions where a person feels detached from reality, or as though they are watching their life from a distance, making it harder for them to feel connected to their own experiences. This may look like isolating or withdrawing from social situations, friends and family.
A person engaging in self-harm may increasingly rely on painkillers, drugs, or alcohol to numb emotional or physical pain. This self-medication can lead to dangerous consequences and may indicate that the individual is struggling to cope with the emotional weight they carry.
While suicidal ideation or self-harm can come with a deep feeling of depression, an overly elevated mood can also be a red flag. If you know someone who has suddenly and unexpectedly shifted from a depressive state to one that seems excited or positive, it could be an indicator of risk. An abrupt change in mood can signal impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.
Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure from activities or interactions that once provided joy. If you are struggling with self-harm or suicidal ideation, anhedonia can be a significant barrier to finding meaning in life.
Intense feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, or fear can often feel unmanageable if you are experiencing suicidal ideation. These emotions can flood in so intensely and result in feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. This often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms in order to numb painful feelings.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one of the most widely used and effective therapies for self-harm and suicidal ideation. DBT is specifically designed to help improve emotion regulation, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviours. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and acceptance techniques, and can provide you with the skills to manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviours, and improve relationships.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes fostering self-compassion and self-kindness as a way to heal from self-harm and suicidal ideation. If you are struggling with suicidality or self-harm you may feel intense shame, guilt, and self-criticism. CFT can help you develop a compassionate mindset toward yourself and others, which reduces the drive to engage in harmful behaviours as a way to cope with emotional pain.
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious processes and how past experiences, especially early trauma, may influence current behaviours and emotional states. Self-harm and suicidal ideation often stem from unresolved inner conflicts or unaddressed trauma. Through psychodynamic therapy, you can uncover these unconscious thoughts and work through them in a safe therapeutic space.
Self-harm and suicidal ideation are both an unfortunately common mental health issue that need to be addressed. There are way too many people who feel they have to suffer in silence. Our team understands that these thoughts, feelings and behaviours are rooted in deep emotional hurt. The most important thing to understand that you are not alone.
If you or a loved one is engaging in self-harming behaviours, or is experiencing suicidal ideation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health professional.
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