Self-harm is a very common problem, and many people struggle to deal with it. Perhaps you feel or have felt the need to harm yourself. Perhaps you have been self-harming for some time. Or maybe you have a friend, or family member who is self-harming and you want to learn more to help them.
Counselling and/or psychotherapy can help you better understand self-harm – why it happens, how to deal with it, and how to recover from what can become a very painful and destructive cycle.
If you identify as at risk of suicide and you want to address self-destructive behaviour, your therapist will carry out a suicide risk assessment to determine whether your suicide risk is low, moderate or high. They will advise whether further treatment and consultation with another healthcare provider is necessary.
Risk factors are:
- Social Stress
- Personal losses
- Helplessness and loss of control
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Exploration around sexual orientation and gender identity
- Exposure to the suicide of other people
- Trauma, such as physical and sexual abuse
- Problems with social interaction, family relationships, work-place stress
