March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, and the Department of Health Services is encouraging residents to learn the warning signs.
Each year, over 3,000 Wisconsinites are hospitalized with a self-harm injury and an additional 3,300 are treated and released from an emergency department with a self-harm injury.
Self-harm can take many forms, including intentionally cutting, poisoning, hitting, or burning oneself. It is most prevalent among adolescents 10 to 19 years old, however, it is found in all age groups.
In fact, men aged 25 and older living in rural counties in Wisconsin have the highest rate of suicide.
There are several warning signs that someone may be going through a mental health crisis or are self-harming, including increased secrecy, emotional withdrawal, changes in mood or behavior, and the constant covering of one’s arms and legs.
The DHS is encouraging everyone to check on the young people in their life to see how they are doing.
Much like when you believe someone may be thinking about suicide, a direct approach is the best course of action.
Ask the individual if they are self-harming, or are thinking about self-harming.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or call 911.
For more tips on helping someone who is self-harming, visit DHS.Wisconsin.gov.
