Many parents, teachers and young people are concerned about self-harm. The subject is all over the media, and you wonder what you should and shouldn’t do. I will tell you what self-harm is and what you can do to help keep your communication with your child from breaking down. It must be challenging to discover that your child has been self-harming and may stir feelings of guilt and anger shock.
Here are some explanations of why children self-harm:
“Self-injury is a way of dealing with complicated feelings inside” ( Young Minds 2003)
“Self-harm is a communication, not a medical condition” (Dr Iain McGowan 2004)
“Self-harm may be a transitory response to adolescent stress or a symptom of a serious mental health disorder” ( Bailey et al. 2004)
Self Harm can be:
- Self-cutting
- Scratching
- Swallowing objects
- Taking an overdose
- Sometimes even running into cars.
- Hair pulling,
- Burning their skin
- Alcohol and drug misuse
Is Self-Harm attention-seeking?
NO, some young people may have the desire to kill themselves; however, many young people express despair and other feelings such as hostility, loss etc. Young people can often think that cutting can help take away bad feelings. Most self-injury is about struggling to cope with life and the inability to regulate emotions.
What can trigger self-harm?
- Many risk factors can make a young person vulnerable, such as low mood, anxiety, difficulties expressing emotions, and low self-esteem drug/ alcohol use.
- Family problems such as parents having too high expectations.
- The high conflict between parents and children.
- Family difficulties ( this is the most common trigger)
- Bullying, times of transition and change, significant trauma, exam pressure.
- I feel confused about identity, race, culture, religion and sexuality.
- Relationship breakdown
What can you do?
( please note my terms of use on providing the information) The posts are for information only and should not be used instead of seeking help from a professional or medical advisor) Please take action if it is a suicide attempt, such as an overdose or ligature; you must take them to A/E immediately, whatever the number of tablets etc. Click here to attend my new workshop for parents on Self -Harm.
Be the best parent you can be and try to do one action today to make your child feel safe, secure and loved.
With love Catherine
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