Harming Oneself

Paper Summary:

The paper reveals that while the suicide rate has been decreasing, suicide is still responsible for more deaths than automobile accidents. The paper explains the differences between self injury and suicide; self-injury is usually meant to allow the victim to continue living, as opposed to suicide which is meant to end a life. The paper discusses the factors which tend to contribute to the tendency of individuals to suffer from depression or mental illness and be more likely to hurt themselves. The paper points out that deliberate self harm is common in adolescents, especially females. The paper contends that school-based mental health initiatives are needed.

Outline:
Causes and Correlates for Self-Harm and Self Injury
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Incidents of self injury are somewhat different in their intent than those of attempted suicide. Self injury, as opposed to suicide, is usually meant to allow the victim to continue living, as opposed to suicide which is meant to end a life. There is no strict definition of self injury, but the patient is usually easily identified if he or she deliberately causes self harm to the extent of causing tissue damage such as breaking the skin, bruising, leaving marks and doing so as a way to deal with unpleasant and overwhelming emotions or situations. Some individuals may even simply think about self harm when feeling calm as a method to control emotional pain. Self injurious behavior is not always associated with abuse in childhood, although it can be."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Akhurst, M., Brown, I. & Wessely, S. "Dying for Help: Offenders at risk of suicide". West Yorkshire Probation Service, West Yorkshire Health Authority, Association of Chief Officers of Probation; 1994.
• Arnold, L. "Women and Self-Injury: a survey of 76 women". Bristol Crisis Service for Women, 1995.
• Charlton, J. et al. "Trends in Suicide Deaths in England and Wales". Population Trends No.69. ONS, HMSO; 1992.
• Charlton, J. et al. "Suicide Deaths in England and Wales: Trends in factors associated with suicide deaths." Population Trends No.71, 34-42. ONS, HMSO; 1993.
• Craig, T.K.J. et al. "Off to a Bad Start: A longitudinal study of homeless young people in London". The Mental Health Foundation, 1996.

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