Overcoming Self-harm and Suicidal Thinking

teenager who has suicidal ideation is extremely vulnerable and distressed and in need of immediate attention.

Suicidal ideation’ is the term used to describe thoughts about ending a person’s own life

Engaging in self-harm can cause more distress as the person embarks on a vicious cycle of trying to hide his/her wounds and scars coupled with feelings of guilt and shame, thus exacerbating the distress and turmoil that prompted the self-harming initially.

Self-harm is the intentional act of harming oneself in order to release inner turmoil and is a very secretive act. It is a flawed coping mechanism in which teenagers engage to release inner anguish and distress as they are unable, or afraid, to express verbally how they are feeling.

-menstrual tension may also be a cause of irritability and angry outbursts in girls and women and must be given due consideration. Starflower oil has shown favourable results in counteracting the effects of PMT.

When we are angry and act on this feeling we are in essence switching off the cognitive, logical part of our brain and exposing the more primitive, emotional part and setting it in motion.

Anger is generally a result of an unmet need, perceived or real.

Many teenagers try very hard to hide their anxiety

The wellbeing of a teenager who displays this level of anxiety is highly compromised and entering a danger zone.

all have experienced anxiety from time to time, be it before an exam or job interview, moving house, or moving to a new school or job. We feel butterflies in our stomach and may have one or two nights of restless sleep