The Relationship Between Self-Harm, Suicide Ideation, and Suicide

Suicide ideation and self-harm may lack suicidal intentions, but they both act as a risk factor for suicide. The presence of either of these behaviors in the past or present indicates an increased risk of suicide when the individual is in emotional duress. Self-harm and suicide are both conducted when experiencing intense feelings. These feelings may be acted upon impulsively, or they may lead to thoughts, or plans of suicide, (suicide ideation). 

CBT: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Challenging Negative Thoughts

CBT was designed around the theory that our behavior is influenced by our feelings, and our feelings are influenced by our thoughts. By challenging negative thoughts and becoming more aware of our thought patterns, we can improve our feelings, and behave more effectively.

Mental Illness and Its Influence on Self-Harming Tendencies

While NSSID is listed as its own diagnosis, it does coexist with many other mental health issues. The presence of a single mental health issue increases the risk of developing another. The following list outlines some forms of mental illness commonly linked to self-harming behavior. 

Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: My Experience

I have two goals through this platform. First, to raise awareness for mental health and be a positive influence for those that struggle with maintaining it. Second, continuing to improve my own mental health through self-reflection. I could provide you with textbook examples, symptoms, and psychological reasons, but I feel that personal testimonies make the greatest impact.

Women’s History with Mental Health

It’s International Women’s Day! Too often, women’s contributions have been overlooked or attributed primarily to a male colleague. I’d like to take today to highlight some of the most influential women and their contributions to the mental health field. Women have not always been treated well in terms of mental health. Throughout history, a large number of women’s mental health issues were attributed to their uterus, menstrual cycle, and their ‘naturally emotional state.’   

What Is NSSI? An Overview

Despite what many people believe, the majority of individuals who self-harm do not harm themselves to commit suicide. However, self-harm is often practiced while under significant emotional duress. While in this state, it is possible to severely injure yourself unintentionally. Nonsuicidal, self-injury can lead to hospitalization and death. 

Rape Culture: A Psychological Phenomenon

The term, ‘rape culture,’ was coined by the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. Throughout the 60s and 70s, the term was utilized to describe the sexual violence perpetrated against women and the attitudes and beliefs that shaped westerners’ response to rape. In 2022, the term is used to describe a culture that fosters sexual violence. This includes sexual violence perpetrated against men, specifically incarcerated men. 

Emotional Flashbacks: My Personal Testimony and the Guide I Use to Manage Them

I want to share my experience with you. Emotional flashbacks are confusing, scary, and heartbreaking. There are so many of us that truly do not understand what an emotional flashback looks like or what it is, my goal is to clarify this for you and assist others in recognizing this symptom within themselves. 

Disparities in Mental Health and Mental Healthcare Among BIPOC

Since the early 2000s, countless researchers have studied the differences in the prevalence of mental illness and the quality of the American healthcare system concerning race and ethnic groups. These researchers have showcased the existence of significant disparities in mental health and mental healthcare within the United States. However, these disparities exist regarding physical healthContinue reading “Disparities in Mental Health and Mental Healthcare Among BIPOC”

Complex PTSD: The Long Term Effects of Trauma

C-PTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that causes trauma symptoms alongside difficulty managing emotions and maintaining relationships. Fear, isolation, depression, and anxiety shape the life of an individual living with complex PTSD. Those of us living with CPTSD would often use the words; broken, different, and distrustful to describe ourselves. Examining the symptoms and behaviors associated with CPTSD below will help you understand why.