Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, and Safety Planning
Understanding Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, and Safety Planning
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts can be very scary for both the person experiencing them and the people who care about them. Many families feel unsure what to do or unsure how serious the situation is. The most important thing to know is that these situations should always be taken seriously, and the right support can help keep everyone safe while also addressing the underlying pain.
Self-harm refers to intentionally hurting one’s body without the intent to die. This can include behaviors like cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, food restriction, hair pulling, self-punching, skin picking, self-biting, or other forms of self-injury. Engaging in self-harming behaviors does not mean the individual wants to die, however, it can increase risk and is a sign that someone is dealing with overwhelming emotions, emotional pain, numbness, or a feeling of losing control.
Self harm is communicating a need through behavior and a maladaptive coping mechanism. Many people who self-harm are not trying to end their life. Often, they are trying to cope with feelings that feel too big, too heavy, or too hard to explain. Self-harm can temporarily relieve emotional pain, which is why it can become a pattern, but it does not solve the underlying problems and often leads to more shame, secrecy, and isolation.We will work with the individual to replace the self harm with safer ways of coping.
Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal ideation means thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. These thoughts can range from brief thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” to more serious thoughts about wanting to die or making a plan. Any level of suicidal thinking should be taken seriously and talked about with a mental health professional.
Safety Planning
A safety plan is a step-by-step plan that helps someone know what to do when they feel overwhelmed or unsafe. This usually includes coping strategies, people to contact, ways to make the environment safer, and when to seek emergency help. When we feel overwhelmed it is difficult to access our logical and safe parts of our brain. This document provides a plan for people to follow when our logical brains feel “offline”. Safety planning helps create a clear plan so the individual and their family know what to do during difficult moments.
Signs It Might Be Time for More Support
Some warning signs that a child, teen, or young adult may be struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts include:
Cuts, burns, bruises, or scars
Wearing long sleeves even in warm weather
Spending long periods of time alone in the bathroom or bedroom
Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless, or like a burden
Withdrawing from friends and family
Big mood changes or increased irritability
Giving away belongings or talking about death
Increased risk-taking or self-destructive behavior
If these signs are present, it does not automatically mean someone is suicidal, but it does mean additional support is important.
How We Help
If you are worried about your child, your teen, or even yourself, reaching out for support can be an important first step. Our team works with kids, teens, and young adults, along with their families, to help keep clients safe and address the underlying struggles in a supportive and respectful way.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
At Pikes Peak Family Counseling, therapists work with clients and families to understand what is causing the emotional pain, teach safer coping skills, reduce shame and secrecy, and create safety plans when needed. We also help parents understand how to support their child and coordinate care if a higher level of care is needed.
