Suicide Prevention Month: Recognizing Suicidal Thoughts & Self-Harm

September Suicide Prevention Month

Understanding how suicidal thoughts and self-harm manifest is the difference between isolation and the vital support that can be provided. Let’s shed light on the signs and underlying factors to help you recognize when someone, or you, may be in distress.

Suicidal thoughts vary from passive (“Wouldn’t it be crazy if I just died?”) to active (“I truly wish I wasn’t alive right now”), each indicating different levels of risk and emotional intensity. 

Warning signs to watch for: increased irritability, persistent sadness, talking about the future as unattainable, giving away cherished items, withdrawing socially, or expressing self-deprecation, like feeling burdensome. 

Self-harm is broader than what’s often depicted. It can include cutting, burning, pulling hair, taking overly hot showers, or overworking. For many, it’s a way to externalize or manage inner pain. 

Suicidal ideation and self-harm may be rooted in overwhelming stress, but not everyone in those situations experiences them. Emotional processing and brain chemistry play critical roles. 

Medication can be scary, especially due to side‑effect warnings. But studies show those who are untreated are at a higher risk of suicide than those under monitored treatment. 

By recognizing both the range of suicidal thoughts and the complexity of self-harm, we open pathways to understanding and compassionate support. Visit us at Serenity Tree | Anxiety Experts