#MARCH NEWSLETTER
Self-Injury Awareness Day (March 1) and World Bipolar Day (March 30) are the topics for Self-Harm Awareness Month.
Self-harm or self-injury is the impulse to deliberately hurt yourself (NAMI, 2021). This includes cutting yourself with sharp objects, burning or punching yourself, pulling out your hair, breaking your bones and bruising yourself (MedlinePlus, 2016). Self-harm is not a mental illness but is associated with other illnesses, disorders, anxiety and depression (NAMI, 2021). It is common among adolescents and young adults and used as a coping mechanism for managing emotional distress (NAMI, 2021). A study found that youths aged 12-24 who were treated for non-suicidal self-harm had a higher risk for suicide within a year (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018). A person may be triggered by overwhelming pain, anger or frustrations and hurt themselves as a release that sometimes stimulates the body’s endorphins and raises their mood (NAMI, 2021). Someone who feels emotionally numb may use this to feel alive as a replacement response (NAMI, 2021). Typically, people who self-harm do not want to kill themselves, however they have a greater risk for doing so. Common risk factors are people who:
Self-harm or self-injury is the impulse to deliberately hurt yourself (NAMI, 2021). This includes cutting yourself with sharp objects, burning or punching yourself, pulling out your hair, breaking your bones and bruising yourself (MedlinePlus, 2016). Self-harm is not a mental illness but is associated with other illnesses, disorders, anxiety and depression (NAMI, 2021). It is common among adolescents and young adults and used as a coping mechanism for managing emotional distress (NAMI, 2021). A study found that youths aged 12-24 who were treated for non-suicidal self-harm had a higher risk for suicide within a year (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018). A person may be triggered by overwhelming pain, anger or frustrations and hurt themselves as a release that sometimes stimulates the body’s endorphins and raises their mood (NAMI, 2021). Someone who feels emotionally numb may use this to feel alive as a replacement response (NAMI, 2021). Typically, people who self-harm do not want to kill themselves, however they have a greater risk for doing so. Common risk factors are people who:
- Were abused or went through a trauma as children
- Have mental disorders, such as Depression, Eating disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Certain personality disorders
- Misuse drugs or alcohol
- Have friends who self-harm
- Have low self-esteem
(MedlinePlus, 2016)
If you have concerns about a friend or family member that may be hurting themselves, ask how they are doing and take their emotions seriously. Self-harm may be the cause of a bigger underlying issue or mental illness that may require medications, therapy or hospitalization.
World Bipolar Day is globally celebrated to bring awareness to this disorder and stamp out this social stigma. Vincent Van Gogh, one of the most influential artists, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his death, and this disorder is observed on his birthday (March 30). Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can cause extreme moments of happiness and energy (manic episode), sadness or hopelessness (depressive episode) or a combination both (mixed episode) (MedlinePlus, 2016). About 6 million people have bipolar disorder and a University of Michigan study found that it can be a combination of biological (genetics) and environmental factors (life events) that can trigger this disorder (BP Hope, 2020). This is a life-long illness, but it can be managed well with medication and psychotherapy.
In the words of Van Gogh, “Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it”. Eliminate the stigmas and understand the differences that makes us unique.
Amourie Johnson, RN
If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.
#REFERENCES
American Academy of Pediatrics (2018). Youths treated for nonsuicidal self-harm at increased risk for suicide within a year. Retrieved from https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/pediatrics2/2018/youths-treated-for-nonsuicidal-self-harm-at-increased-risk-of-suicide/
BP Hope (2020). After searching 12 years for the cause of bipolar disorder, team concludes it h as many. Retrieved from https://www.bphope.com/after-searching-12-years-for-bipolar-disorders-cause-team-concludes-it-has-many/
Mental Health America (2021). Seven reasons why world bipolar day is important. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/blog/7-reasons-why-world-bipolar-day-important
NAMI (2021). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/bipolardisorder.html
NAMI (2021). Self-harm. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Self-harm
Vincent Van Gogh quote. Retrieved from https://www.quoteswave.com/authors/vincent-van-gogh