If you’re struggling with thoughts of self-harm and suicide, or you’re worried about someone you love, help is available. You are not alone, and support is closer than you think.

Self-harm and suicide are serious mental health concerns that affect individuals and families across every age group. Self-harm and suicide often develop during periods of intense emotional pain, depression, anxiety, trauma or substance use. Thoughts of suicide and suicidal behavior can feel overwhelming, especially when someone cannot see a way forward. With the right care and support, those feelings can change.

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Understanding self-harm behavior and suicide

Self-harm behavior and suicide concerns can include both non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts or actions. While self-harm behavior does not always involve intent to die, it is closely connected to suicide risk and should be taken seriously.

Self-harm, also called non-suicidal self-injury, involves intentionally hurting oneself to cope with emotional distress. Suicide involves self-directed behavior with the intent to end one’s life.

Although different, self-harm behavior and suicide are often linked. Individuals who engage in repeated self-harm may face a higher long-term risk of suicide. Early assessment and intervention can reduce risk and support healthier coping strategies.

Risk factors of self-harm and suicide

There is rarely one single cause of self-harm behavior suicide risk. Both are typically associated with multiple emotional, psychological and environmental factors.

Common risk factors of self-harm include:

Common risk factors of suicide include:

Recognizing the risk factors of self-harm and the risk factors of suicide allows families and providers to intervene early and connect individuals to care.

Warning signs of suicide

The warning signs of suicide may appear suddenly or gradually. Take warning signs seriously, especially if behaviors are new, worsening or linked to a significant stressor.

Common warning signs of suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Expressing hopelessness or feeling trapped
• Searching for ways to harm oneself
• Withdrawing from friends, family or activities
• Extreme mood swings, rage or agitation
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Engaging in escalating self-harm behavior
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye

If you are unsure whether a situation is urgent, it is always appropriate to seek help.

If you’re struggling with self-harm and suicidal  thoughts

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm and suicide:

• Tell someone you trust.
• Call or text 988 for immediate support.
• Remove yourself from isolation if possible.
• Seek an in-person assessment at Willowbrooke Urgent Care.

Many individuals who once experienced suicidal thoughts or self-harm behavior are now living meaningful, connected lives. Suicide prevention begins with reaching out and receiving care.

If you’re worried about someone

If you are concerned about self-harm behavior suicide risk in someone you love:

• Ask directly if they are thinking about self-harm or suicide. Asking does not increase risk.
• Listen calmly and without judgment.
• Take warning signs of suicide seriously.
• Stay with them if there is immediate danger. 
• Encourage professional support and offer to help them seek care.

If there is immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, call or text 988 together or bring them to Willowbrooke Urgent Care for assessment.

How Willowbrooke at Tanner can help

Willowbrooke at Tanner provides comprehensive behavioral health services for individuals experiencing:

• Self-harm behavior
• Suicide risk
• Depression and anxiety
• Trauma-related concerns
• Substance use challenges

Care begins with a same-day, in-person assessment at Willowbrooke Urgent Care. From there, our team develops a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, substance use treatment or referral to a higher level of care when needed

Start here. We’ll walk with you.

To ensure you receive the highest level of expert, personalized care, all new patients begin with an in-person assessment at Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use in Villa Rica.

No appointment is necessary — simply walk in to get started. Whether your concern feels urgent or you’re ready to talk with someone, Willowbrooke Urgent Care is your starting point for care.

Willowbrooke Urgent Care for Mental Health and Substance Use
20 Herrell Road, Suite 1, Villa Rica, GA 30180

For information about any of our services, call 770-812-3266.

Following your initial assessment, ongoing services may be scheduled in Villa Rica, Carrollton or via telehealth.