Facts about Suicide Attempts and Cutting (Also known as Para suicide)

According to the Kids Health Organization, Para suicide/Cutting is defined as injuring yourself on purpose by making scratches or cuts on the body.

People who cut or perform self injury are trying to cope with pain, pressure, loss of employment, neglect/abuse, and broken relationships. They cut to relieve bad feelings, and/or to express pain. People who cut can not deal with their emotions, so cutting becomes a way to escape. They are not looking to complete suicide, but to make their pain leave their heart. It is a cry for help. Females and males are both at risk.

Facts You Should Know

Signs that a Person is a cutter:

* Wears long sleeves in summer
* Acts secretive
* Scratch/cut marks on body
* Increased alcohol/drug use
* Depression, moody, irritability, sensitivity, and tension

Dangers of cutting:

* Loosing too much blood
* Getting an infection
* Can affect body image
* Can be a sign of a mental disorder
* Predictor for risk of completing suicide
* Habit forming

How to resist the urge to cut:

* Know what situations make you want to cut
* Make a healthier plan to deal with negative emotions
* Call someone
* Fight the urge to cut
* Go for a walk/exercise
* Write in a journal
* Draw a picture
* Ask for help
* Call a counselor

Statistics

According to the American College Health Association; of 16,000 students surveyed:
* 6.2% of males and 12.8% of females had feelings of depression
* 22% had feelings of hopelessness
* 1.5% had attempted suicide
* 9.5% had thought of suicide
* In a high school classroom, three students (one boy, two girls) have made a suicide attempt
* In 2004, 283 children ages 10-14 completed suicide; there were over 32,000 people who completed suicide that year
* Every 2 hours and 11 minutes a person under the age of 25 completes suicide
* 33% of those who complete suicide had a prior history of Para suicide

Prevention

We can not make a person stop cutting themselves. The best steps to take to prevent a loved one from cutting themselves are to let them know we love them, communication, and seeking professional help. “Working Together To Save Lives”

Call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK for Help

References

1. www.borderlinepersonality.ca/parasuicide.html
2. www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/cutting.html
3. www.suicideandmentalhealthassociationinternational.org/SuiAfterPara.html
4. www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/Youth2004.pdf
5. www.psychservices.psychiatryonline.org
6. Gardner, F., 2008, Analysis of Self-harm, Community Care, Issue 1725, p22

For more information use these links:
1. www.cdc.gov
2. www.suicideinfo.ca/
3. www.suicidology.org