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Self-harm and suicide

Content warning: Some of the content on this page may be distressing for some individuals. Please seek support from the services at the end of this page if you would like to speak to someone.

Self Harm

Self-harm refers to people deliberately hurting their bodies. It is usually done in secret and may be actively hidden by the person affected. The most common type of self-harm is cutting, but there are lots of other types as well.

Self-harm is generally used as a way of coping with difficult emotions and situations. Some people self-harm to punish themselves, while others do it because they feel alone. Some people who self-harm aren’t able to explain why they do it. Most people who self-harm are not trying to kill themselves, but there is a risk of accidental suicide.

Replace self-harm with something less-harmful

When self-harm is the way that someone is coping with distress, it’s not easy to “just stop” - they need to find something else to replace the self-harm behaviour. If you or someone you know is self-harming, we encourage seeking support from a GP, counsellor or other mental health support service (see the bottom of this page for some examples) to help to build these new coping strategies. To start to explore different methods of coping, you could start with one (or more) of these:

  • Download the Calm Harm app which has tools and skills you can use and track
  • Try holding ice cubes in your hand – cold causes pain but is not dangerous
  • Wear a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you feel the need
  • Draw with a red marker or pen on the areas you would usually cut
  • Rip up paper
  • Work it off with rigorous exercise
  • Use body lotion or cream and rub this into the areas of your body you want to hurt
  • Talk to someone you trust

Feeling suicidal

The term ‘suicidal ideation’ refers to thoughts that life isn’t worth living, ranging in intensity from fleeting thoughts such as ‘I don’t want to be here anymore’ (which many people experience to some degree) to well-thought-out plans for killing oneself. Any suicidal ideation can be distressing, and it’s important to seek support if you or someone you know is distressed by these thoughts, or they get more intense or frequent.

Risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour in young people

  • previous suicide attempt
  • mental health issues, especially depression, psychosis or substance abuse
  • physical health issues (terminal or debilitating illness)
  • family history of suicide
  • history of sexual, physical or emotional abuse
  • social isolation
  • death of a parent in childhood
  • unemployment
  • rejection by a significant person (e.g. relationship breakup)
  • recent discharge from psychiatric hospital

Signs you might notice in yourself or someone you care about if they are having thoughts of suicide:

  • social withdrawal
  • persistent drop in mood
  • disinterest in maintaining personal hygiene
  • reckless behaviour
  • rapid weight changes
  • insomnia
  • alcohol or drug abuse
  • giving away sentimental or expensive possessions
  • feeling like a burden
  • feeling hopeless or worthless
  • failing to see a future
  • talking about death or wanting to die

Summary

Self harm behaviours and thoughts of suicide can both be distressing for the person experiencing them and those that care about them. While it might be difficult, it is important that person can seek support. There are services listed below, including in-person, online and even anonymous ways to seek professional support.

Get support

Internal resources

  • Wellbeing Services provides free and confidential, personal and emotional support for students, including counselling.
  • Emergency: In an emergency ring 000 and then security 9479 2222
  • Use our La Trobe University Crisis Line for Out-of-Hours Mental Health and Wellbeing Support. Phone 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100. This service operates 5pm-9am on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends and public holidays.

External resources

Supports - non crisis (you want to talk to someone, but it’s not an emergency)

  • Beyond Blue – chat online or on the phone to a professional who can provide support and advice.
  • eheadspace – confidential online, phone and email counselling for young people aged 12-25

Emergency helplines - you feel that you need to talk to someone urgently

Apps

  • Beyond Now - Suicide safety planning   is a free safety planning app (created by beyondblue). It can help you you’re having suicidal thoughts and distress.
    Please note: you should work with a health professional or support person to create your plan. BeyondNow is not the only form of support you should receive.
  • Calm Harm – Self-help strategies and tools that help you to tolerate urges to self-harm

Websites