DELIBERATE SELF HARM
This defined as an intentional act of deliberately harming your own body.
Some people who self-harm have thoughts of killing themselves. Other people self-harm as a way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration
Examples of self-harm include:
· Cutting (cuts or severe scratches with a sharp object)
· Scratching
· Burning (with lit matches, cigarettes or hot, sharp objects like knives)
· Carving words or symbols on the skin
· Hitting or punching
· Piercing the skin with sharp objects
· Pulling out hair
· Taking an overdose of medication or drugs
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
· Scars
· Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises or other wounds
· Excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn
· Keeping sharp objects close to hand
· Wearing clothing to cover cuts and scars
· Feeling emotionally unstable
· Impulsive and unpredictable behavior
· Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness
· Taking a lot of time off work or school
· Difficulties in relationships with friends or family
· Isolating yourself friends or family
TREATMENT
Treatment is determined by your situation. Treating self-harming behavior can take time and hard work. You will need support from people you trust and from your mental health professional team.
- MEDICATION can be required if it is related to mental health conditions you might have, such as depression.
- PSYCHOTERAPHY or talking to a mental health professional
· PSYCHIATRIC ADMISSION may be needed for serious situations
WHEN TO GET EMERGENCY HELP?
If you have injured yourself severely or believe your injury may be life threatening, or if you think you may hurt yourself, PLEASE SEEK HELP.
HOW TO GET HELP?
Go to Accident and Emergency Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital if it is an urgent situation
OR
Go to a nearby Clinic or Health Center to speak to a health professional.
You may be referred to see a psychiatrist.
ANY ENQUIRES?
Call 2454644 (Outpatient Psychiatric Services) from during office hours.
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