SUICIDE SERIES 2: Suicide vs. Self-Harm
Having worked in schools for over a decade with adolescents, I have treated clients who use self-harm/non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. Self-harming behaviors are most often used by adolescents and young adults, about 15-20+% of them and equally common between males and females. These behaviors are more common than suicide.
Self-harming and suicide have different functions. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors are respones to a complex interaction of stressors, a felt sense of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, or intense pain. Suicide is used as a means to end suffering. I have seen where suicidal ideation/suicide planning can act as a maladaptive coping mechanism for some individuals.
Self-harming behaviors such as cutting, burning, or hitting are used as maladaptive coping strategies, to bring a sense of relief or release. The intent and impact of self-injurious behaviors vary by individual, it may be about stopping numbness, taking out frustration, managing anxiety or stress, etc. The circuitry in our brains that senses pain does not differentiate between physical or emotional pain, self-injury creates physical pain which rises and falls, creating a sense of decreased emotional pain, but the impact is fleeting.
It is important to talk about big emotions and self-injurious behavior, to learn adaptive coping strategies and replacement behaviors, to provide first aid to avoid infection and to seek professional care for serious injury. Professional counseling may be needed. Coriander Living Collective is here to support you or a loved one with self-injurious behavior. We see clients ages 13+ in WI/MN via teleheath. The 988 Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 and offers support and resources.
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https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/
https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/self-harm/#what-is-self-harm-1
