Self-Harm and Suicide Flashcards
What is self-harm?
Intentional self-injury without suicidal intent, but to cause harm
What is the most common demographic of people affected by self-harm?
Females under 25
What are the two main types of self-harm?
Injury and poisoning
What is suicide?
Act of killing oneself intentionally
What is parasuicide?
Victim survived suicide attempt
What group is death by suicide most common in?
Men by 3x
Most common around the age of 50
What is the cycle of self-harm?
Emotional suffering
Emotional overload
Panic
Self-harming
Temporary relief
Shame and guilt
What are suicidal thoughts?
Passing idea that is quickly dismissed and involves no intention or plan
What presenting features increase suicide risk?
Previous suicide attempts
Escalated self-harm
Impulsiveness
Hopelessness
Being a burden
Making plans
Writing suicide notes
What background factors increase risk of suicide?
Mental health conditions
Physical health conditions
History of abuse or trauma
Family history of suicide
Financial difficulties
Criminal problems
Lack of social support
Alcohol and drug use
Access to means (e.g. firearms)
What are the protective factors that help reduce risk of suicide?
Social support and community
Sense of responsibility to others (children and family)
Resilience, coping and problem solving skills
Access to mental health support
How is self harm and suicide managed in a community setting?
Safety-netting
Safety plan
Follow up
Consider safeguarding issues
How are phyiscal symptoms of self-harm and suicide managed?
Immediate referral to A&E
Once physical health problems managed, seen by mental health team to decide further management
Identify episode triggers
Separating means of self-harm
Discussing strategies to avoid further self-harm
Provide support services
Treat underlying mental health conditions
CBT
