Self-harm
In my last post, I explained I was currently undergoing some training surrounding mental health. Here is what I learnt today:
Self-harm
It is difficult to get accurate data on self-harm prevalence because a lot of self-harm is kept secret. The best estimate of self-harm prevalence is one in every 12 to 15 young people. We know self-harm levels are higher among young people with emotional or conduct disorders than the average. People generally find self-harm difficult to talk about, as can be seen in the study 'Talking self-harm YoungMinds/Cello (2012)':
3 in 4 young people don't know where to turn to talk about self-harm
A third of parents would not seek professional Help if their child was self-harming
Almost half of GPs feel that they don't understand young people who self-harm and their motivations
Why self-harming?
There are many different reasons why young people self-harm: Some people won't be able to explain why they self-harm - they might not know or they may not be able to express it in words.
Release of unbearable pressure
Jolt back to reality (when disassociating)
Escape from the unbearable emotional present
Deflection of emotional to physical pain
To have some control where this has previously been taken away
Self-punishment
Signs and symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate a young person is struggling with their mental health. Below are some key things to be aware of:
A sense of physical release
Change in behaviour from what is normal for that young person
Not taking care of their appearance or hygiene
Absence or sickness (in adolescence, young people often experience physical symptoms of anxiety or stress before they necessarily can articulate the issue, such as being sick before coming to programme)
Socially isolated or withdrawing
Erratic behaviour or mood swings
Risk-taking behaviour
Anger and aggression
Not being able to concentrate and seeming distracted
Avoiding friends and activities they used to find fun
Seeming jumpy or nervous for no obvious reasons
Panic attacks
Tired
Change in appetite
Lack of aspiration or not being able to predict positive things happening in the future
Photo by Alvin Mahmudov on Unsplash
All the best, Leia
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- Edited by Niklas 2022-02-08 09:40