Self harm is an epidemic that is affecting adolescents and young adults around the world. Here are some things you need to know about it, including signs, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.
Common in adolescents and young adults
Self-harm is a problem that many adolescents and young adults face. Many teens self-harm to relieve stress, to control their emotions, or to feel better for a moment. It is also associated with mental health disorders such as depression and substance abuse. In fact, one study found that 46% of teens reported self-injury.
A population-based dynamic cohort study recruited adolescents and young adults from 44 schools in Victoria, Canada. Participants were classified by race, sex, and geographic region.
Detailed data on self-harm was collected at seven waves of follow-up. A total of 1900 participants completed self-harm items at least once. The most common types of self-harm were burning and cutting. However, a substantial decrease in self-harm was noted in young adulthood.
Among young adults, a one-year SMR for all-cause mortality was 4.1 (95% CI: 2.9-5.7), which was higher than the adolescent SMR of 10.3. Similarly, standardized risks for accidental death were significantly higher among the self-harm group than in the matched control group.
Signs
Self-harm is a serious issue that affects many people. It can be caused by a number of reasons, ranging from a mental health problem to an injury. There are signs you can look out for to help you determine if someone you know is struggling with self-harm.
One of the best things you can do to help someone who is struggling with self-harm is to encourage them to seek help. You can do this by being open and honest with them about your own experiences. This can help them to realize they're not alone.
Some of the most common symptoms of self-harm include cutting, banging, slapping, or hitting their head. They may also embed objects in their skin, bruise themselves, or even break bones. These types of self-injuries are usually caused by feelings of loneliness or isolation.
One of the most common self-harm symptoms is a sudden and powerful urge to self-injure. This can be triggered by something as simple as being angry. While it's normal to experience an intense sense of anger, the impulse to hurt yourself may be more complicated than it first seems.
Treatment options
Self-harm is a serious issue. It can be emotionally, physically, and socially dangerous. If you or a loved one is struggling with this, you may want to talk to a professional about treatment options.
Self-harm is a sign of intense emotional pain. This may be due to issues in a family or relationship, depression, or another mental health disorder. Treatment options for self-harm can include therapy, coping skills, and learning how to manage intense feelings.
One of the most common types of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works on the connection between thoughts and behaviors. Learning new coping techniques can help break the cycle of self-harm.
Another type of therapy is dialectical behavior therapy. Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on mindfulness and emotional regulation. In addition to treating compulsive behaviors, it's often used to treat borderline personality disorders.
You may also consider taking an antidepressant. This can help reduce depression symptoms and lessen your desire to engage in self-harm.
Another option is to find a support group. These groups can provide you with positive peer support and teach you how to cope with your emotions.
Prevention
There is no doubt about it: self-harm is an extremely serious behaviour. Not only is it a form of suicide, it can cause injury and even death.
Self-harm usually starts in early childhood. However, it can also happen in adolescents and young adults. If you are worried about someone who is self-harming, you can talk to a professional. You can also encourage them to seek help.
Self-harmers are often deeply ashamed of their behaviour. They may go to great lengths to hide from others. This can be dangerous, because it can lead to a cycle of self-harming.
There are effective treatments available. One of the most common is cognitive behavioural therapy. It helps people to understand how their feelings and emotions affect them. These treatments can also teach people other ways to deal with intense feelings.
Self-harm is most prevalent in adolescents. Increasing peer pressure, loneliness and conflicts with authority figures are all stressors for preteens. Teens are also facing more responsibility and independence, but they must juggle this with study, work and relationships.
