Every eleven minutes, someone in the US takes their own life. This tragedy can be prevented, but the first step is awareness. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm, also known as self-injury or self-mutilation, refers to the deliberate act of inflicting physical harm on one’s own body without the intention of suicide. It often involves behaviors such as cutting, burning, hitting, or scratching oneself.
The primary purpose behind self-harm is not to end one’s life but to cope with intense emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, frustration, or feelings of numbness.
In recent years, suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey have been on the rise. Some blamed this on the then-ongoing COVID pandemic, but the damage continued well after the official end of the pandemic in 2021. According to data from the New Jersey Hospital Association, the proportion of self-harm cases among adolescents jumped 95% from 2019 to 2022.
Some other highlights from the report:
- Anxiety admissions increased 54%
- Depression-related hospitalizations increased 25%
- Eating disorder-related hospitalizations more than doubled
Perhaps most shockingly, New Jersey ranks number one in the nation for the rate of suicides relative to its population.
These statistics underline the pressing need for more resources to address suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey.
Is Self-Harm a Mental Health Issue?
Yes, self-harm is definitely a mental health issue and is often associated with underlying psychological or emotional distress. While not itself classified as a mental health disorder, it is commonly linked to various mental health conditions such as clinical depression. It’s viewed as a coping mechanism for managing intense emotions or psychological pain that individuals may struggle to express or process in other ways.
Why Do People Self-Harm?
There are multiple reasons why people engage in suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey and elsewhere, but they all essentially boil down to emotional distress.
Emotional Regulation
For many individuals, self-harm serves as a way to regulate overwhelming emotions, especially when they feel unable to express or manage their feelings effectively. The physical pain caused by self-harm can serve as a distraction from emotional turmoil, providing temporary relief from feelings like anxiety, sadness, or anger.
According to a UK study on reasons for self-harm, this was the biggest reason for self-harm. Per the study: “The primary purpose of self-harm is regulation of affect–reducing intense distress.”
Relief from Numbness
Individuals who feel emotionally numb or disconnected from themselves or others may use self-harm to create a physical sensation that counteracts the emptiness or detachment they experience. The physical pain from self-injury can make them feel alive, connected, or present, as it brings their focus back to their body and emotions.
To quote a participant in the aforementioned UK study: “You just feel relaxed, like all the feelings of pain, numbness, anger, they just go for a while—literally, they just go until my arm stops bleeding, and then I feel like I need to do more.”
Expression of Inner Pain
Self-harm can be a way for individuals to express feelings of emotional pain, anger, or hopelessness that may be difficult to articulate or understand. The physical marks left by self-harm can sometimes be a tangible manifestation of inner suffering, helping people externalize their emotional pain.
A Sense of Control
In some cases, self-harm is a way for individuals to regain a sense of control over their lives when other aspects of their existence feel chaotic or uncontrollable. By choosing to harm themselves in a specific way, they may feel empowered in situations where they feel helpless or powerless.
A Form of Self-Punishment
People with feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-worth may use self-harm as a way of punishing themselves. They may feel they deserve pain or that inflicting harm on themselves is a way to atone for perceived mistakes, flaws, or transgressions.
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How Can I Tell If My Loved One in New Jersey is Committing Self-Harm?
If you’re concerned that a loved one in New Jersey (or anywhere else) might be committing self-harm, there are several physical and behavioral signs to watch for.
Here are some signs of suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey to watch out for:
Physical Signs
If you are concerned that a loved one may be committing self-harm, here are some common physical signs to watch for:
- Unexplained cuts, burns, or scars
- Wearing long clothing (to hide burns, cuts, or scars)
- Frequent bandages or dressings
- Signs of infection
Behavioral Changes
If you suspect that a loved one may be engaging in self-harm, it’s important to also observe any behavioral changes that may indicate emotional distress or coping difficulties.
These include:
- Mood swings or social withdrawal
- Sudden changes in personality
- Defensiveness or secrecy
- Difficulty handling stress or emotions
- Expressing self-loathing or guilt
Recognizing these physical and behavioral changes can be the first step in offering support and encouraging your loved one to seek help, ensuring they don’t have to cope with their emotions alone.
What Are Suicidal Thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, refer to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. These thoughts can range from fleeting moments of despair to detailed plans about how to end one’s life.
Having suicidal thoughts does not mean someone will immediately act on them, but they are a serious sign of distress that requires immediate attention and intervention.
It’s important to note that increased substance abuse and suicide are linked.
What Causes Suicidal Thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are often a response to overwhelming emotional pain, mental health issues, or life circumstances that feel impossible to overcome.
Conditions that can spur mental health issues include:
- Clinical depression
- Schizophrenia
- Trauma from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Chronic illness or pain
- Loss of loved ones
- Feelings of isolation or loneliness
- Substance abuse
Suicidal thoughts often arise from a combination of emotional, psychological, and situational factors, and it’s important to address the underlying causes in order to help someone at risk. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seeking help from a mental health professional or a suicide prevention hotline is crucial for providing support and intervention.
Warning Signs for Suicidal Thoughts
Recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey is vital to providing early support and intervention. These signs can manifest in behavioral indicators, verbal cues, and emotional changes. While not everyone who exhibits these signs will attempt suicide, they are important signals that someone may be struggling and in need of help.
Behavioral Indicators
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Giving away possessions
- Sudden calm or even upbeat mood after intense mood swings
- Risk-taking behavior
- Substance abuse – Increased alcohol or drug use and suicide are linked.
Verbal Cues
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Talking about death
- Expressing guilt or self-hatred
Emotional Changes
- Extreme mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased irritability
- Emotional withdrawal
Comparing Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
There is a difference between suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey. They are related but distinct behaviors.
The primary intent behind self-harm is most often to manage or cope with overwhelming emotions, not end one’s life. Individuals may self-harm to express pain, regain control, distract from emotional distress, or punish themselves. It is a way to deal with emotions like sadness, anger, or numbness but does not typically involve the desire to die.
Suicidal thoughts, on the other hand, are centered around the desire to end one’s life due to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or a belief that life is unbearable. The thoughts may range from fleeting feelings of wanting to die to detailed plans on how to end one’s life.
Do All People with Suicidal Thoughts Self-Harm?
Not necessarily. Suicidal ideation involves thoughts about wanting to end one’s life, which may or may not lead to action. Some individuals may experience these thoughts but do not engage in any form of self-harm or attempt suicide. The thoughts could be passive (e.g., wishing they were dead or feeling hopeless) or active (e.g., planning or preparing for suicide), but the person may not act on them.
Resources for Suicide and Self-Harm in New Jersey
If you or a loved one are dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey, it’s crucial to seek help as soon as possible.
Below are resources and steps you can take to access immediate support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 to get access to 24/7 support for anyone in distress. All calls are completely judgment-free and confidential.
- Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential, 24/7 texting support for individuals in crisis, including those dealing with thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Text HELLO to 741741.
- New Jersey Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline: While the national hotline now directs calls to 988, this hotline is still available for immediate access to those dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey. Dial 1-855-654-6735.
- New Jersey Mental Health Cares: This free, confidential helpline provides individuals with access to mental health support services in New Jersey, including information on local treatment providers and crisis services. Simply call 1-866-202-HELP (4357).
- PerformCare New Jersey: PerformCare New Jersey is a behavioral health and developmental disability service provider. It offers 24/7 support for individuals and families experiencing mental health or substance use crises, including immediate connections to help. Call 1-877-652-7624 to get connected.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey, call one of these services for immediate help.
Treating Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm in New Jersey
Treating suicidal thoughts and self-harm effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues.
In New Jersey, individuals struggling with self-harm or suicidal ideation have access to various evidence-based therapies that can help reduce these behaviors and promote healing.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Self-Harm
One of the best therapy approaches for dealing with suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to distressing emotions and harmful behaviors, such as self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Self-Harm
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since proven effective for those with self-harm tendencies and suicidal ideation. DBT focuses on teaching emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.
Trauma-Focused Therapy for Self-Harm
Trauma-focused therapy is particularly effective for individuals whose self-harm behaviors and suicidal thoughts stem from past traumatic experiences. This kind of trauma therapy addresses the emotional and psychological consequences of trauma, including abuse, neglect, or violence, and helps individuals process and heal from these experiences.
Helping a Loved One with Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm in New Jersey
If you’re facing suicidal thoughts and self-harm in New Jersey, Footprints to Recovery is here to help. We offer a full suite of mental health treatment services, including outpatient programs for self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Preventing suicide attempts and reducing the self-harm rate in New Jersey is our goal. Don’t let mental illness, painful emotions, or thoughts of self-harm control your life any longer. Click here to get started today.
