March is Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Awareness Month

The Jason Foundation has resources to get help to those who need it

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

March is Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Awareness Month.

That string of words, commonly abbreviated as NSSI, is defined by Psychology Today as a deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one’s body to relieve emotional distress.

“The crucial thing to remember about NSSI is that these behaviors are not directly a suicidal risk factor,” explained Caroline Colvard of The Jason Foundation, Inc.

“These behaviors are often used as coping methods for those dealing with emotional turmoil.”

Although help should be sought for any individual who is participating in self-injury, Colvard said an appropriate response is crucial.

“Because most self-injury behaviors are not suicide attempts, it is imperative to be cautious when reaching out to youth and not make any assumptions,” she said.

Fortunately, there are safe choices someone experiencing emotional turmoil can implement instead of turning to self-injury.

“For example,” said Colvard, “you can create and keep an emergency kit close by filled with positive things like loving notes from friends and family, a journal to catalogue your feelings, favorite scents, or art supplies to express yourself with.”

While NSSI support is is not as well-publicized as suicide prevention counseiling, outreach programs are available.

The Jason Foundation offers a wealth of information and resources for those who may be struggling with their mental health. One resource JFI offers is the Professional Development Series, which includes a series of 1 to 2hour video modules.

“One of these modules specifically houses information about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury,” Colvard explained.

“You can access this module by following the link on The Jason Foundation’s website (jasonfoundation.com).”

Jason’s Story

From Clark Flatt: “Jason was my youngest son: “He was an average 16-year old. He got mostly B’s on his report card, and he loved sports. Especially football. He was active in his youth group and he had a lot of friends. Jason was the one who was always up for going places and trying new things. From all appearances… my son loved life.

But on July 16th in 1997, everything changed. My son, Jason became a statistic of the silent epidemic of youth suicide. In trying to come to terms with what happened, I began researching youth suicide. The statistics are very alarming. Did you know that on average, over 100 young people this week will become victims of youth suicide?

Youth suicide can be prevented, and that is what The Jason Foundation is all about.

I urge you to get involved. Together we can help stop this epidemic. Ask for our material. Read it. Then share it with your friends, family and others. Please help us reach out to hurting teens with another choice. I will never hug my son again. But I can and will work alongside you…perhaps to save your friend, your neighbor’s child, a relative or even your own son or daughter.”

About the Jason Foundation

Based in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/ youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.

JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention. We want to establish a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers the tools and resources to help identify and help at-risk youth. This is accomplished through a curriculum unit for students and informational seminars for teachers and parents. The programs provide resources to accomplish this goal. The materials are easy to use and are intended to provide educational information. There is no intent to diagnose or treat suicidal ideation. JFI’s intention is to empower youth, educators and parents to help recognize when young people are in pain and know to get professional help involved as soon as possible. The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501c3. They can be reached by phone at 615-2642323.