Taking pills- but not to die
There is a new form of self-harm that is becoming commonplace amongst young women now and those who are doing it to themselves often don’t know the damage that it’s causing to their bodies- so we take a look at the new trend of self-poisoning.
What is it?
These women are often going to different chemists, picking up Paracetomol or an illegal drug from somewhere else and then taking them to excess. If they are lucky enough, they end up in A and E to have their stomachs pumped of its contents and monitored until the substance is fully out of their system.
Please understand that in the majority of cases- these women do not want to kill themselves- they are using the mini overdoses as a means of self-harm, punishment or as a release.
The Red Cross revealed that self-poisoning has increased by 50% since 2004, with a staggering 110,000 cases in 2012. (Cosmopolitan)
Psychological causes
It seems that the trend is happening mostly in young professional women- perhaps this is due to the rise in pressure in the workplace and women are resorting to this as a means of getting back the control in their life that they feel they lack. This loss of control can lead to self-hatred or self-loathing- which makes the person feel that they need to punish themselves as a result.
Another cause can be the need for escapism, with many women wanting to take some time out from their lives for a while, following a bad relationship, lost job or general feelings of depression and low self-esteem.
These behaviours can become learned- as the rush of the risky behaviour keeps them going back for more.
Women may opt for this instead of cutting for instance because it has no scars and it potentially cleaner and more private.
The sad reality is that some women don’t even know that taking more than the designated amount of Paracetomol or another drug constitutes as self-harm. Many case studies have found that they didn’t know what it was they were doing until they were diagnosed by a professional.
The fact is that overdoses are never safe and even if the intention is not to commit suicide; self-poisoning can result in death all the same.
Side Affects
Overdose
Taking too many pills and not having treatment in time can lead to unconsciousness, coma or death.
Internal organ failure
The liver, kidneys and heart are all at risk when self-poisoning- which may take time- such as several days following an overdose; meaning that you might not see the signs right away.
Choking
If you are unconscious as a result of an overdose you could inhale or suffocate on your own vomit. The restricted oxygen can lead to brain damage or lung damage.
Coordination
Many pills can have an effect of drowsiness or disorientation on the body, or even alter your sense of touch, which makes you at increased risk of injury.
Decisions, decisions
An excess of drugs can lead to confusion, which can encourage you to make dangerous decisions and put yourself in risky situations.
What do I do if I have taken an overdose?
Go straight to A and E, call an ambulance or contact a friend or family member and tell them what’s happened and where to find you.
Try and take a bottle or packet with you of the pills you have taken and tell the medical staff what and how much you have taken of the drug. This will ensure that they give you the best treatment necessary. This all depends on what you have taken- so the treatment may be instant or you may be monitored for a while following some blood tests.
Be honest with the medical professional about wanting to end your life or not- this way they can refer you not to the relevant professional if they feel you need some counselling or to meet with a psychologist afterwards.
Reducing the risks
Even if you feel unaffected by a drug after self-poisoning, still seek medical attention, as organ failure may not be apparent right away.
If you are on the cusp of self-poisoning then tell someone close to you how you feel and try to talk about the issues that have led you to think about trying it.
Make sure that you are in the recovery position after self-poisoning while waiting for an ambulance.
Source: www.thesite.org
What are your thoughts on this new trend? Do you know anyone who has suffered from this in the past or who is going through it now? We would love to hear from you- please let us know your thoughts and stories.
Help
www.Selfharm.co.uk
www.Selfinjurysupport.org.uk
www.Harmless.org.uk