Self-harm in young people
Self-harm refers to the act of deliberately causing harm (for example, hitting or burning oneself). These behaviors are more common than we think, especially among young people between the ages of 12 and 25. Some studies show that this type of behavior has increased in recent years in the general population and could affect up to almost 3 out of every 10 young people.
It's important to understand that when someone self-harms, they don't intend to end their life ; rather, it's a coping mechanism for dealing with a problem or difficulty. Many people who self-harm explain that they do so because they don't feel capable of dealing with an intense emotion (like sadness or anger) and use self-harm to try to reduce, manage, or escape these feelings.
The fact that emotional relief can be experienced after self-harm may lead to the use of this same strategy to manage difficult emotions in the future. However, this effect is not lasting, and in the medium to long term, negative feelings such as guilt or fear are very likely to emerge. Furthermore, people who self-harm tend to experience more emotional pain, have difficulty relating to others, or suffer poorer academic performance. Therefore, we can say that self-harm can become a very serious problem.
People who self-harm report that the more they do it, the harder it is to stop. However, stopping self-harm is possible . Many people who regularly self-harm have found healthier ways to cope and manage their emotions, and have been able to stop.
Strategies to stop self-harm
A first step in breaking this habit is to tell someone close to you . People who do this may experience fear, shame, or frustration. It's important to find someone you trust. On the other hand, the person receiving this information may also feel angry, upset, or confused. That's why it's important to be aware of your own emotions at that moment. The person asking for help needs to receive a message of support, without judgment.
It's also important that they don't receive threats or accusations (for example, "if you love me, you have to stop self-harming"). It's very important that the person knows they are not alone.
Introduction to self-harm in adolescents
Sometimes, self-harm occurs in educational settings. For many young people, this behavior is carried out in secret, and therefore, they may find it difficult to talk about it. When they do, it is usually with a classmate rather than an adult. This can generate discomfort and concern among other classmates, who may feel insecure and unsure of how to help. For all these reasons, it is recommended that schools have a response protocol that details how each professional should act in a case of self-harm, both individually and in groups.
Seeking professional help can be an option. It is advisable to consult a professional when self-harm is frequent (more than five times in the past year), when there is significant and persistent emotional distress, when the method is potentially dangerous (for example, cutting), and when there is a high sensitivity to social rejection.
It may also be necessary when a person has tried unsuccessfully to stop self-harming. In these cases, it can be very helpful to talk to their primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist. Effective treatments for self-harm are available today. These can usually be carried out on an outpatient basis, allowing the person to continue with their daily routine.
Featuring
