If you have a mental health disorder, the emotions and patterns of thought can become so painful you want them to stop. You may intentionally harm your body to distract yourself or you may consider ending your life.

At Crownview, we can help you learn to manage those emotions and process those thoughts in a healthy and productive manner, so they no longer have that kind of power over you.

If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who engages in self-harm or suicidal ideation, please understand that if they receive treatment program at Crownview, we prioritize their safety while we help them take their first steps on the path to healing and recovery.

It’s also important to understand that professional support is the best way to reduce self-harming behavior and prevent suicidal ideation from escalating to a suicide attempt. With that said:

Do Not Ignore Talk of Suicide.

If you or someone you love is at imminent risk of harm, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. If you or someone you love is having a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

What Is Self-Harm?

The most widely accepted clinical term for self-harm is non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines self-harm as follows

“NSSI is characterized by deliberate self-inflicted harm that isn’t intended to be suicidal. People who self-harm may carve or cut their skin, burn themselves, bang or punch objects or themselves, embed objects under their skin, or engage in myriad other behaviors that are intended to cause themselves pain but not end their lives.”

In some cases, people who self-harm escalate to a suicide attempt. In most cases, however, self-harm develops as a maladaptive coping mechanism people use to manage extreme internal emotional pain or communicate the existence of that pain to others.

Most people who self-harm do not intend to die.

People who engage in self-harm may try to hurt themselves in the following ways:

  • Cutting/burning skin
  • Picking/scratching
  • Inserting objects under skin
  • Pulling out hair
  • Biting/pinching
  • Punching
  • Hitting head/body parts against hard object

Warning signs of self-harm include:

  • Frequent unexplained injuries
  • Cuts and bruises that don’t heal
  • Wearing long pants and long sleeves in hot weather
  • Emotional instability
  • Extreme overreaction to setbacks
  • Negative self-talk
  • Sudden decline in school or at work performance
  • Self-isolation

What Is Suicidal Ideation?

The APA defines suicidal ideation as follows:

“…thoughts of serving as the agent of one’s own death. Suicidal ideation may vary in seriousness depending on the specificity of suicide plans and the degree of suicidal intent.”

Experts recognize two types of suicidal ideation: active and passive.

Passive suicidal ideation is defined by:

  • Absence of a suicide plan
  • Absence of means to attempt suicide
  • Absence of a time/time frame to attempt suicide

On the other hand, active suicidal ideation is defined by:

  • Presence of a suicide plan
  • Presence of/access to lethal means
  • Presence of a time/time frame to attempt suicide

All instances of suicidal ideation, passive or active, should be taken seriously. The consequences of ignoring any behavior related to suicidality – or self-harm – are simply too great to risk minimizing or downplaying self-harm or suicidal ideation.

The following mental health disorders are associated with increased suicide risk:

  • Depressive disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder/personality disorders
  • Alcohol/substance use disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Consequences of Untreated Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation

When a person engages in self-harm or suicidal ideation and doesn’t receive appropriate treatment and support, the consequences can be extreme, up to and including escalation to a suicide attempt.

The consequences of untreated self-harm and/or suicidal ideation include:

  • Lingering infections
  • Organ damage
  • Escalating health problems
  • Escalating mental health symptoms/disorders
  • Reduced self-esteem
  • Increased feeling of shame/guilt
  • Alcohol/substance misuse
  • Withdrawal from friends/family
  • Increasing feelings of hopelessness/despair
  • Accidental or intentional death

Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: Therapeutic Approaches at Crownview

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, comprehensive care for self-harm and suicidal ideation includes a combination of medication, therapy, adjunct services, educational workshops, and family/peer support.

Once we understand the root of your behaviors, i.e. a mental health disorder, we can tailor our treatment to match your diagnosis. When we learn who you are and we learn about your goals, strengths, and challenge areas, we design a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Your treatment plan will include a customized combination of the following therapeutic techniques and approaches:

Psychotherapy:

  • Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERPT)
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Acceptance & commitment therapy

Medication:

  • If an underlying mental health disorder causes self-harm and/or suicidal ideation, patients may receive a subscription for medication indicated for that disorder

Education:

  • Distress tolerance
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition for health and wellness
  • Relationships dynamics/family dynamics
  • Communication/conflict resolution

Adjunct Therapies:

Complementary/Expressive Therapies:

  • Music therapy
  • Wellness groups
  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Singing bowls

Compassion, Community, and Connection: Core Components of Healing

With the direct input of your treatment peers, therapists, and counselors, you can learn how to apply what you learn during your time in treatment directly to your daily life. At Crownview, we create an atmosphere of compassion, empathy, and connection that helps you put it all together. We’re committed to building a supportive, nurturing community dedicated to your individual healing and growth.

What Level of Care is Right for You?

When you seek professional support for self-harm or suicidal ideation, you may receive a referral to a specific level of care, such as intensive Outpatient (IOP), partial Hospitalization (PHP), or inpatient residential treatment.

The level of care that best matches your diagnosis depends on several factors. In collaboration with your Crownview treatment team, you’ll identify the following:

  1. The intensity and acuity of your symptoms.
  2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
  3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors – as well as your treatment history and other practical factors – will help you decide on the appropriate level of care. If you’re at immediate risk of harm, you may need a more immersive level of care, such as inpatient hospitalization, until you’re safe, stable, and capable engaging in a less intensive level of care, such as inpatient residential treatment or partial hospitalization treatment (PHP).

We meet where you are, help you develop the tools you need to manage your symptoms, and empower you to reach your destination: living a full and productive life on your own terms.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we’ll be by your side during the entire process, and prioritize your physical, psychological, and emotional safety at all times.

Learn More Today

To learn more about our programs and services, or to learn more details about we can help you or a loved one, please contact us today.

Healing is a phone call away.