Mental Health in the Correctional System Making Choices for Safety and Well-Being

Self-Directed Violence: Suicidality and Self-Injury Module 13

Suicide vs. Self-Injury What’s the difference?

Suicide

Suicidality It is an emergency Most do not want to die Most want to be free of the pain they are feeling Could be physical or psychological pain Some want to free others from the pain they think they are causing

Signs of Suicidality Threatening to hurt or kill themselves Seeking access to ways to kill themselves (e.g., pills, weapons) Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide Changes in mood, or feelings of hopelessness, rage, anger, or anxiety Giving away possessions Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities Withdrawing from friends and family Substance use

What Can You Do? Don’t avoid the subject Mentioning it will not “give them the idea” You can ask directly, with compassion

Self-Injury

Self-Injury Does not mean they are suicidal A way to cope with suffering A way to feel something other than numbness

Common Signs of Self-Injury Cutting Scratching Biting Burning Hitting Hitting hard surfaces Unexplained injuries Concealing injuries

Self-Injury is Coping It’s often a sign of great emotional suffering or numbness. It’s a sign they need a better way of coping.

Heightened Risks Higher risk of suicide than those who don’t self- harm. Risk of infections and complications from injuries.

What Can You Do? You can ask directly It is a crisis and should be handled immediately Alert mental health staff Let them know about any self-injury Let them know if it suddenly becomes more severe Follow your institution’s procedures

Take Precautions

What Not to Say Don’t argue Listen to them Take them seriously Don’t use guilt Don’t minimize their problems Don’t “call their bluff”

What Can I Say? Activity

Activity Debrief

Thank You